Margaret Morton Obituary

MORTON, MARGARET, Margaret Sheffield Stewart Morton died at the age of 87 on May 5, in Athens, GA, following a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was a 70-year resident of Lake County in both Eustis and Mt. Dora. Margaret was born in Jacksonville, FL, on March 14, 1921, to Eugene V. and Anna Kraus Sheffield. She graduated from Eustis High School in 1939 and attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland. She was employed as the society editor for the Eustis Lake Region News and, along with a colleague, produced the first newspaper extra edition IN THE WORLD that reported the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1944, she married William C. Stewart in Ft. Sill, OK. Following William's death in 1959, she married Robert L. Morton of Zellwood, FL, in 1961. She taught Sunday School for over 28 years at the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Dora and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Lakes & Hills Garden Club. She served as a leader for both the Brownies and Cub Scouts. Margaret was preceded in death by both husbands, her daughter, Maureen Stewart Raddock; brother, Eugene V. Sheffield, Jr.; and sister, Janice Y. Sheffield. She is survived by her daughter, Shandon Stewart Land (David) of Madison, GA, William C. "Bebo" Stewart
(Linda) of Mt. Dora, and
Robert L. "Rob" Morton (Wendy) of Orlando. Her grandchildren are Justin and Jonathan Land of Naples, Bill Stewart of Ocala, Mandy Stewart of Mt. Dora, Aaron Stewart-Raddock of Tyson's Corner, VA, Stephen and Bryan Morton of Orlando, FL, and two great grandchildren, Abigail and Elijah Land of Naples. She was a wonderful aunt to many nieces and nephews across two extended families. A memorial service for immediate family will be held on Saturday, May 17, in the mountains of North Carolina, a favorite vacation destination through most of Margaret's life. She will be interred at the Evergreen Cemetery in Tangerine, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Margaret's name to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or to the United Hospice of Athens, GA,(www.united-hospice.com).

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Published by Orlando Sentinel on May 9, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Morton

6 Entries

Roy Hamlin

May 4, 2009

Had not heard and my thoughts are with your entire family. Mrs. Morton was my cub scout leader, one of my early believers and coaches, and the mother of one of my best and oldest friends. I always felt at home in her house, and I will miss her dearly. The way she raised Rob and his siblings is a testament to her amazing life, and his own children benefit from her example. Her spirit lives on in those of who knew her, improving the world.

Christy Swanson

May 13, 2008

A lovely lady, your Mother. Many wonderful memories of Sunday school and your home on Clayton Street. Playing in the orange groves or high in the magnolia tree she watched over us with love. I noticed there were no photos posted. The one I have I can't put my hands on. She is sitting in a lawn chair with a big smile on her face and laughter in her eyes as she watches us play. Those are beautiful memories and I am so blessed to have had her a part of my childhood. My love and prayers to the family as you say your final goodbyes to a lovely lady.

Janice Barringer

May 12, 2008

What a wonderful contribution she made to life. I remember her as a physically and spiritually beautiful woman. My Mother and Father, Millard and Jewell Reid, greatly valued her friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her loved ones, but especially Shannon.....a childhood friend.

Roy Hamlin

May 10, 2008

What a small, weird world as I was in Athens on Monday May 5th to speak at a memorial service for a professor of mine; had I known "Mom Morton" was nearby I would have made time to pay my respects. She touched my family greatly, along with her wonderful kin, and the world is a sadder place without her. However, the memory of her kindness and humor will inspire generations to come. My thoughts are with you all.

Jeannie Knorr/Koons

May 9, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Stan Sheffield

May 9, 2008

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. " -Kahlil Gibran

A wonderful aunt. A beautiful and remarkable lady.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you.
Love,
Stan Sheffield Family

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