Search by Name

Search by Name

Margaret Rees

1930 - 2013

Margaret Rees obituary, 1930-2013, Hattiesburg, MS

Margaret Rees Obituary

Margaret Rees

Dixie Community

Margaret Jo Mitchell Rees was born in Muldrow, Oklahoma on October 23, 1930. She graduated from Spiro High School in Spiro, Oklahoma. After graduation, she began her financial career with the Merchants Bank in Fort Smith, Arkansas until she married Samernie Rees who was stationed at Camp Chaffey. After their marriage, Margaret and Sam moved to his hometown of Hattiesburg in 1953 where she began working for the Credit Bureau of Hattiesburg as a Credit Reporting Supervisor.

In 1957, Margaret and Sam purchased the Collection Department from the Credit Bureau and began their life long career in the credit industry. In 1960, they obtained the credit reporting department and obtained full ownership of the business. Together they became prominent in the credit industry and were respected for their knowledge, service, and integrity.

Preceded in death by her husband, Sam, in 1981, Margaret became President and CEO.

During the following years, Margaret was very active in the credit industry both locally, statewide, and nationally. She was a Certified Collection Agency Executive and a Certified Credit Bureau Executive. She was a Past President of the American Collectors Association (ACA) of Mississippi as well as Past President of the Associated Credit Bureaus of Mississippi.

Margaret served as Secretary for the System Affiliate Advisory Board of Equifax for many years as well.

Not only was she active in her professional capacity, Margaret also served on the Board of Directors of the USM DuBard School for Language Disorders until her retirement in 2003. She was also Past President and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society.

She was instrumental in the organization of the Block Parties and the Cancer Walks. She also served on the Board of Directors of the United Way, the Board of Directors of the USM Foundation, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of the Southern Methodist College.

She was a sponsor and active member of the local chapter of Credit Women International.

During her long career, Margaret received many awards, honors, and recognition by her peers for her distinguished work in the credit industry and her community. Some of these awards include the National Award of Excellence and the Distinguished Service Award from the Associated Credit Bureaus, Inc, the Excaliber Award from the American Cancer Society for her work and service and was elected to the Who's Who in American Business Women.

In addition to her successful business career, Margaret was very active in her church and in the community, giving of her time and support to many worthy organizations and causes. She was a sponsor of the Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera as well as the Civic Arts Council. In addition to supporting the Arts, she also believed in quality education and lended her support to the Presbyterian Christian School, William Carey College, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Because of the support and dedication to their educational program, Presbyterian Christian School dedicated and named their gym in her honor. Humbly, she gave not only of her support but of her time for the benefit of the Hattiesburg community as a whole.

Margaret was a member of Wesley Southern Methodist Church where she was past President of the Board of Education and a member of the Hannah Circle Women's Missionary Society.

She was very active with the youth, served as a Sunday School teacher and helped coordinate many summer Vacation Bible Schools. Where she saw a need, she would serve and rejoice in doing God's work.

On Sunday, March 10, 2013 Margaret peacefully went to be with her Lord, surrounded by those that loved her, at her home in the Dixie Community. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Mitchell and Norma Garretson Mitchell of Arkoma, OK , her husband, Samernie Rees and a grandson, Ashley DuBoise of Hattiesburg, and her two sisters, Laverne Robbins of Fort Smith Arkansas and Gayle Sykes of Albuquerque, NM.

She is survived by two daughters, Kim R. DuBoise and Karan R. McGee; grandchildren; Timothy DuBoise, Kristin McGee Kelly and her husband, Joshua Kelly, Cydney McGee; great-grandchildren; Kamryn McGee, Kyndall McGee Kelly, and Korbin McGee Kelly her sister-in-law, Glenda Guess and her husband, Morgan Guess.; nephews Dr. Mitch Guess and Marty Guess of Hattiesburg, Stan Robbins and Randy Robbins of Fort Smith, AR, Terry Sykes of Albuquerque, NM, and Richard Sykes of Hot Springs, AR. She is also survived by her nieces April Guess Selman, Gwynne Robbins Hinterthuer, and Melanie Robbins Rogers. She is also survived by a number great nieces and nephews. The family would also like to acknowledge and thank her caregivers, Bonnie Skelton and Julia Martin, for the loving and excellent care they administered to our loved one over the past 7 years.

Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, March 14th, at Moore Funeral Services on Hardy Street. The celebration of her life will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, March 15th, at Wesley Southern Methodist Church. There will be a short visitation period beginning at 12:00 noon prior to the service.

Members of the family request that memorial donations be designated to the Alzheimer's Foundation for Research or to the USM DuBard School for

Language Disorders.

Published by Hattiesburg American from Mar. 13 to Mar. 15, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Rees

Not sure what to say?





One of my favorite aunts who spoiled me rotten when I was a little girl! She was the epitome of kindness and was just a good person - one of the best! She would have done anything for anyone to help them and did help many people in lots of ways. She was a fine Christian lady who lived what she believed. We all miss her a lot, but she is where she always strived to go.

March 10, 2014

Mrs. Rees was very special to me during my teen teen years at Wesley as my Sunday School teacher. She was true leader and a servants heart for God. She also directed my wedding. I was very blessed to have known this special lady.

Stacey Niemeyer

March 10, 2014

Mrs. Margaret had a huge impact on my (and my family's) life. She was like a grandmother to me, along with the rest of her family being like a second family. I'll always be greatful for everything she did for me, and taught me growing up. She is greatly missed; but I know we will all get to see her again one day....she just beat us home!!

Hollie Craft

March 10, 2014

I wish I could remember her better!

Timothy Du Boise

March 10, 2014

Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. Of course, it was that way when she was with us. Margaret Rees was truly a remarkable person and I can't believe how blessed I was that she was my grandmother. No one on this earth ever loved me or ever will love me more than her and nobody will ever be able to teach me greater things than she did. The saying is, "life goes on". While life goes on I will carry her memory with me always!

Kristin Kelly

April 24, 2013

Kim and Karen, My sympathy and prayers are with ya'll.....I know you will miss your mother so very much. We have you in our prayers and will keep remembering you during this time of sorrow! Your Love

Patricia Goldin-Rayborn

March 25, 2013

So sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diana Saulters Gray

March 20, 2013

This is a little sadder place for those who really knew her

Terry McGee

March 19, 2013

Oh how I love and miss this beautiful child of God!! What a light she is. I rejoice in knowing I will see her again. Love always and forever Shayna

Shayna Fountain

March 19, 2013

You are truly a saint and will be missed, but I will see you again heaven and walk the streets of gold with you

John Whitfield

March 19, 2013

Karen and Kim, I remember we'll working at the credit bureau many years ago with your mom and dad. They taught me so much and I went on to have a very good career in the medical field founded in many collection and business lesson they taught me. I often used them as a reference to the need for hard work that will produce good rewards. Mrs. Margaret was a big influence on me and I credit her for my success as much as anything or any one! My prayers are with all of you.
Brenda "Carter" Ramsey
Chief Operating Officer
Albany Area Community Service Board
Albany, Georgia

March 18, 2013

Karan and Kim, i can remember all the good times as employee. Mrs. Ress was a sweet person. I am praying for the family.Love, youall and God Bless.

Elois Ingram

March 16, 2013

My prayers go out to both of you, Kim and Karen, and all the family. Your mother was a sweet and thoughtful person. I loved talking with her when she would come to Trustmark to visit us. I truly admired her. I know she is well and at peace now. God Bless Her!

Sybil Box

March 13, 2013

I remember Ms.Rees when she would come to visit each month at Dr.Guice's office and we would just talk and talk...She was the sweetest person. She will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Lisa Thompson

March 13, 2013

Kim and Karan, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a wonderful, loving human being. I will always remember her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. God bless.

Sheila Bounds

March 13, 2013

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Margaret Rees's name

Memorial Events
for Margaret Rees

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Margaret's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Margaret Rees's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more