Rev. Margaret Ann McCaskill

                                                                                              Precious Memories

                                                                                 Reverend Margaret Ann McCaskill

Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone; those we love can never be more than a thought apart;for as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in the heart.

Reverend Margaret Ann McCaskill was born on April 1, 1934, in Greenville, South Carolina to her parents, Elliott Poole and Eliza Brockman Poole. She was the second child born in the family. She was raised surrounded by her brothers, Alexander and Elliott, Jr. As a child, Margaret was attached at the hip with her grandmother, and namesake, “Margaret Ann” as she performed domestic duties for work and went to church four times a week. Margaret Ann accepted the Lord at a very early age and was baptized. She would teach and preach the bible to the neighborhood children, and set up chairs for Sunday school. These very actions laid the foundation for her lifelong service to the Lord.

Reverend McCaskill received high school education from Sterling High School in Greenville, South Carolina. She continued her education with the Community College of Denver in 1970, and later from 1976-1978 completed a program at Faith Chapel Bible School in Arvada, Colorado. At Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado Margaret furthered her formal study in faith from 1981-1982. Her educational accomplishments continued on as she graduated from Metropolitan State College in 1987 and Denver Seminary in 2000. In all, she earned an Associates of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and a Master of Arts in Christian Education.

Margaret was the organizer and host of the “Ultimate Garage Free Giveaway.” During the summer months, this event allowed her to distribute thousands of clothing items and accessories to those in need at no cost. This ultimate act of charity was born from Margaret’s belief it was “better to give than receive”. In 1980, she completed a mission tour to South Africa participating in the construction of a church, holding assemblies, and preaching to local communities.

On August 3, 1952, Margaret married Arthur Lee McCaskill. who was stationed at Donaldson Air Force Base in Greenville, South Carolina. They first met when she was a senior in high school and eventually exchanged vows in the Springfield Baptist Church in Greenville. The wedding immediately followed the Sunday Morning Service, celebrated by the entire congregation in attendance. To this union, Arthur, Jr. and Denise Rene were born. They remember her as a mother involved in the church and the community. She was a virtuous woman, who loved and supported her family. She was a tough but gentle mother who had a kind spirit. She was studious, inquisitive, and always asking, “why”when she wanted to learn, and spoke truth when she taught. She was a prayer warrior who prayed fervent prayers, even if asking for something small. She asked big questions to the unsuspecting and demanded that her family be handled with care and respect. She gave smiles and winks, and her sense of humor lasted to the end of her life.

Margaret was later blessed with four grandchildren, Jocelyn Rene, Dymetra Ann, Opal Noel, and Donnie Ray, who all were an additional source of joy and pride in her life. They affectionately called her, “grandma, grammy, and grandma #6.” A fond recent memory from the grandchildren was of her sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee. As a plate had been placed before her, it was soon forgotten amongst the many hugs, smiles, and kisses she had received from the family. Denise reminded her, “mom, I think Opal brought you breakfast.” Without hesitation, she replied, “Well of course she brought it for me. She didn’t set it in front of you, she set it in front of me!” Dumbfounded, the family looked at each other as if to say, “the gall!”.At 91 years old, she was still snippy, and unapologetic. They all shared many happy and precious moments together.

By profession, Margaret has had an illustrious career span over many years. She has been employed as a Radiology Technologist for Children’s Hospital in Denver from 1970-1977, a Radiology Technician at National Jewish Hospital in Denver from 1976-1987, an Assistant Project Manager for Denver Public Schools from 1982-1985, an Advisor for the Federal Program for Federal Advisory Council with Denver Public Schools from 1986-1987, a Pre-School Teacher for National Jewish School from 1991-1992, the Director of House of Joy Preschool 1992-1999, and the Director of the Zion Senior Center from 2000-2006, an Assistant Project Manager in Intergovernmental Relations for Denver Public Schools, the Director of a Title II program for Denver Public Schools, and has held several Ministerial positions.

A woman of faith and belief in the Lord, Reverend McCaskill was a member of Springfield Baptist Church in Greenville, SC for 18 years and Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, OH for 15 years. She was an active member of Zion Baptist Church from the time she relocated to Denver from Cleveland, OH in 1968. She served in many capacities. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and was a member of the missionary department. She served as Dean of Christian Education, serving on local and state levels of the Western State Baptist Convention as President of the Women’s Department, and on the national level at the National Baptist Convention Congress of Christian Education as an instructor and discussion leader.

Margaret acknowledged God’s call into the ministry in 1992. In 2005, as a member of Shorter Community AME Church she served in the area of Christian Education and Mission Ministries. Margaret was ordained as a Deaconess in 2007, and ordained as an Elder Minister in 2009 in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. While serving on the ministerial staff she continued to serve in the Women’s Missionary Society, children’s church leader, and assistant teacher for Wednesday night Senior Bible Study classes. Rev. Margaret served as Ministry Leader of the Shorter Book Club which fostered an appreciation for reading with meaningful discussion, and outreach projects. Reverend Margaret was a recipient of a kidney transplant in 2011, after being on dialysis for 4 years. Her new kidney was planned at the foundation of the world. It gave her a new life, and new hope. We thank God for His faithfulness and His promise.

Reverend McCaskill in her free time, loved Praise and Worship service. She loved fellowship, singing in the choir, writing, bowling, crafting, sewing, and caring for children. She will be remembered for her warm embraces, her encouragement, and support. She raised the standards of Jesus Christ by serving him enthusiastically with courage, confidence, pride in her culture, her family and her faith in God. She loved the Lord and dwelled in His word actively. She was a living disciple of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful woman. To know Reverend Margaret Ann McCaskill was to love her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur McCaskill, Sr.; her parents, Elliott and Eliza Poole; and her brothers, Alexander Brockman and Elliott Poole, Jr.

Reverend Margaret Ann McCaskill departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on July 22, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her children, Arthur L. (Teresa) McCaskill, Jr., and Denise R. Anderson, all of Aurora, Colorado; 4 grandchildren, Jocelyn R. McCaskill, Dymetra A. McCaskill both of Denver, CO, Opal N. (Anthony) Owens of Aurora, Donnie R. (Sarah) McCaskill of Denver, CO; 6 great grandchildren, Kerrian D. Chambers, Paris A. Anderson-Moon both of Denver, CO, Brimin McCaskill, Azii McCaskill both of Denver, CO, and Onyx L. Owens, and Ruby R. Owens both of Aurora, CO; 2 great-great grandchildren, Kree D. Chambers, and Kayzee R. Chambers both of Denver, CO; a bonus granddaughter, Kristen Young of Phoenix, AZ; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.