Margaret Ann Turner

Margaret Ann (Gordon) Turner, age 70, a loving mother and adoring grandmother to two each, passed away peacefully on January 30th after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. A native of Athens, GA and longtime resident of Oconee County, Margaret was the eldest daughter of the late Freddie Gordon Sr. and Johnnie Lou Gordon and sister to the late Freddie Gordon Jr.

She grew up surrounded by her large family, having six other siblings and a lot of aunts and uncles, that influenced her to be a loving and caring woman that always offered her time to others. She incorporated this virtue into her motherhood, as a loving and kind mother who was absolutely thrilled to see her family grow by becoming a grandmother, and in her career through acquiring employment and participating in volunteer efforts that were educationally centered and public service based.

Margaret is a graduate of Clarke Central High School’s Class of 1972 and completed her Associate degree a few years later in 1975 at Athens Area Vocational-Technical School (currently named Athens Technical College). She continuously grew and developed herself professionally by advancing her knowledge through various types of certifications (legal, management, accounting, etc.). Margaret enjoyed a 31-year employee tenure at The University of Georgia (UGA) within the College of Education. She was afforded three promotions achieving her highest position as the “Secretary to the Dean” of the College under the leaderships of Dean’s Louis Castenell and the late Russell Yeany. After officially retiring from UGA in 2008, she maintained part-time employment with a couple of private corporations beforefully dedicating herself to managing the overall care and well-being of her aging parents.

Margaret’s naturally energetic and vibrant personality, enticed her to engage and seek long-term memberships with several social clubs and esteemed organizations. She was especially proud of her efforts and service towards the growth and development of the Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc., and committed support to UGA’s Retirees’ Association. And in earlier years, she thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Ebony Social Club and the Athenian Club cherishing memorable experiences that yield joyful nostalgic feelings.

Margaret was adored by everyone that knew her, rarely ever meeting-a-stranger, and her giving and selfless nature was truly a precious gift. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and colleagues while living on in their hearts forever, with comforting joy being found in knowing that she has reunited with her beloved parents, aunts and uncles.

Margaret is survived by her two children, Tiffany Gordon (Athens, GA) and Nathaniel Blake Gordon (Norcross, GA); two grandchildren, Luka and Braxton Gordon (Norcross, GA); six siblings, Carolyn Deadwyler (Atlanta, GA), Marilyn (Myers) Howard (Athens, GA), Tonya (Terry Sr.) Fambro (Dacula, GA), Alicia Gordon (Glen Burnie, MD), Steve (Sheli) Gordon (Onawa, IA) and Christopher Gordon (Monroe, GA); and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

A “Celebration of Life” ceremony will be held later on April 12th from 12:00-3:00pm at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home (West) in Watkinsville, GA.