Margaret Ann George Loftis

Margaret Ann George Loftis went home to her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 22, 2011. Margaret (affectionately known as "Maggie," "Mom," or "Meme") lived an abundant life of 86 years.

Meme was all about the people in her life. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 57 years, Harry Loftis, and is survived by her adoring family: her children, Mollie and Bob Halpin of Dallas, Lee and Charlsa Loftis of Austin, and Mike and Jennie Loftis of Dallas; her 14 grandchildren and "grandchildren-in-love," Haylie Halpin Crouch and her husband Bert, Robert and Andrée Halpin, Patrick Halpin, Hunter Halpin, Lee Michael Loftis, Carrie Loftis and her fiancé Hudnall Shannon, Warren Loftis, Mollie Frances Loftis Thompson and her husband Clark, Teal Loftis and Peyton Loftis; her two great-grandchildren, Caitlyn and Hadden Crouch; and several loving nieces and nephews.

Margaret Ann was born June 12, 1924, in Ola, Ark., to Albert Lee and Minnie Mills George, with four brothers, Lloyd, Lee, Sherman and Jack, all deceased, and one sister, Mary Ellen Gaiser. As an eager student who loved to learn, she completed Gary Elementary, Hogg Junior High and Tyler High School in May 1941. She attended one year at Tyler Junior College and, upon the generous gift of a full scholarship, earned a BBA from The University of Texas at Austin. She then became an administrative staff member at The University while her husband Harry obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence. She ultimately obtained a master's degree in library science.

Meme's passion for service to others was her way of giving back for the many blessings she received in her life, most notably from dear friends and mentors, including Mildred Stringer, Cordie Ramey, D. Harold and Mattie Caruth Byrd, and her co-workers at Tyler Independent School District.

Described by many as the most approachable person on earth, young and old came to Meme for her hugs, warm smile and gentle encouragement. She was perhaps best known and appreciated for her cheerful face and listening ear, her empathy toward others, her servant's heart and her seemingly infinite "pearls of wisdom." She exemplified for all of us how to live life to the fullest and enjoy it to the end. Meme will be forever remembered by all as a kind and compassionate friend, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and above all, a faithful servant of the Lord. We love her dearly and will miss her always.

The family will receive friends at the home from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25. A graveside service will occur on Thursday, May 26, 2011, at 10 a.m. in Rose Hill Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Marvin United Methodist Church, with a reception immediately following in Pirtle Hall. The Rev. Dr. Doug Baker and the Rev. Dr. John C. Robbins will officiate the ceremony. Arrangements are under direction of Burks Walker Tippit Funeral Directors.

Honorary pallbearers are Jim Bass, Nelson Clyde IV, Carter Gabriel, Bob Halpin Sr., Bob Irwin, Jim Plyler, Judge Tom Ramey, Randy Roberts, Bill Ross, Dr. Fagg Sanford, John Smith, George Tarry and Dr. Pat Thomas. Pallbearers are her seven grandsons and her three "grandsons-in-love."

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marvin United Methodist Church, TJC Foundation for the construction of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, or The University of Texas at Tyler.