Margaret Thompson "Peggy" Arial

1944 - 2025

Margaret "Peggy"

Thompson Arial

Savannah, GA - Our wife, friend, mother, grandmother died on July 12th, 2025. My father's advice about women was tell her you love her, listen to her, pay attention and respect her as a person with her own ambitions and hopes. Margaret was 15 when she asked me to dance. I knew immediately she was to be cherished. Margaret attended Massachusetts College of Arts in Boston. After we married in 1963 we went to Los Angeles. There she studied at Chouinard Art School (now California Institute of the Arts) with working artist professors and outstanding fellow students. Chouinard emphasized that if you did not have it in your soul that you must do art, then it would be best to pursue other work. She had the need. Daughter April Arial Carlisle (CJ) was born in 1967. Truly sunshine and flowers baby. Margaret graduated in 1969 with an BFA degree. Moving to South Carolina, she pursued her crafts at numerous art venues across the country while being a mom and wife. She was a founder of the Dutch Fork Art Association and the Midlands Clay Art Society in Columbia, SC. One of her proudest programs was when she was involved in the Artist in the Schools program, where she would go to underserved schools with no art programs and teach the kids. Margaret had an uncanny creative intelligence. She was a strong and intense women who gave you her thoughts without any bark left on the tree. Thoroughly honest and insightful advice forthcoming. We had 61 years, Dad's advice was excellent. A granddaughter Margaret Carlisle (John) and grandson Mason Carlisle (Kat) survive. She left us on July 12th in her sleep. Margaret's family legacy is this: if you find someone, love, honor, and respect them. Never forget to treasure every moment because time is not guaranteed. In lieu of flowers, please buy a piece from a local artist or artisan.