Margaret Petrie

Margaret Petrie, 84, transitioned from this life August 23, 2023 in Olive Branch, MS. She was born to Roy and Tressie Kelly, in Forest City, Arkansas, on September 05, 1938. The family later relocated to Michigan City, Indiana, in 1955. She was one of thirteen siblings, eleven of which have preceded her in death along with their parents. She has one surviving sister, Ann Mack, left to cherish their memories.

She was the mother of four children, Charles (Faye) Kelly, Timothy (Lynette) Kelley, Vincent (Penny) Hawkins, Angelia (Harold) Scales and Rose Brown (god-daughter). Her legacy will continue to live on through them and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and relatives.

Her life demonstrated strength and endurance. Somewhere on her journey between Forest City, AR and Michigan City, IN., Margaret resided in Hoxie, AR. where she lived through racism and segregation, being forced to walk to an all-black school. However, after a hard fight by the Hoxie school district and others, the Supreme Court had ruled by unanimous decision to integrate the schools. Margaret was then included in what is now known as Hoxie 21 or The First Stand, as she was one of the first 21 students allowed to attend the same school as white students did.

Margaret was faithful in serving at her church. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and did many other things.  Gospel music was a passion of Margaret's. She and her sisters formed a gospel group and called themselves, "The Kelly Sisters". They sang together at various churches for approximately 60 years.

She was no stranger to hard work. She retired from Dwyer Instruments after 30 years of service. During those 30 years, she would return home after a full day's work to care for her family. She'd cook, clean, assist with schoolwork and tend to her garden. She'd even prepare taxes for immediate family members during the tax season. After retiring from Dwyer's, she couldn't sit still, so she started working at a local grocery store as a cashier. Following that she became a greeter at a superstore and a home care provider.

Margaret was the glue in keeping her family together, as she would always open her home for bible studies and holiday gatherings. Anyone who knew her knew that they could count on her to make them laugh.  Although, she was a very frugal woman, her compassionate heart compelled her to help many in their time of need.  Things will surely be different in her absence. She will truly be missed and forever loved.

Her Celebration of Life will take place on September 2, 2023 at Mt. Zion MBC, 123 Helen St, Michigan City, Indiana at 11am. Viewing will be 10am until time of viewing at the Church. Burial will take place Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 11am at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens. Pastor James E. Lane Jr. will officiate. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement. This service will be livestreamed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Petrie, please visit our floral store.