Obituary of Margaret Garrison

Margaret Adelle Walton Garrison, the mother of Ann Korschgen (Carl) of Columbia, Missouri and Janet Garrison (John Molberg) of Tallahassee, Florida passed away on December 25, 2011. She was born at Marshall, Missouri, March 17, 1927 to Cecil and Eva Walton into a family of five daughters and one son. Family, friends, and community, in that order, shaped her character. These values led her to follow her parents and siblings to Doniphan, Missouri in 1945 to live on the Walton property known by many as "Stoney Acres". It was in Doniphan where she met and married a local boy, navy man and World War II veteran, Robert (Bob) Carleton Garrison. The couple settled into the community for the next 60 years. Then following the death of her husband, Margaret moved to Columba three years ago to be near her daughter, Ann, and son-in-law, Carl, where she thoroughly enjoyed going with them to restaurants, theaters, and other cultural events. One of her favorite adventures was a face-to-face meeting with Mizzou Football, Coach Gary Pinkel, (whom she greatly admired) in his office where he graciously took time to talk and be photographed with her. She also liked to be updated on the efforts of the Central Missouri Humane Society, upon whose board her daughter, Ann, serves. Margaret served for 10 years as the first female member of Doniphan City Council and was president Pro Tem for 8 years. She also served on the board of directors of the Ozark Regional Planning Commission and on the planning board for the Current River Heritage Museum. She managed the Garrison Used Furniture Store for 15 years where she exhibited an outstanding talent in sales and as well as a wonderful ability to interact with people from all walks of life. In fact, Margaret's love for babies was known throughout the community and she was gifted by many with surprise visits from the Ripley County residents with their babies during her tenure as store manager. There was always a special connection between her and the babies that crossed her doorstep. She was a member of the Doniphan Methodist Church for 50 years where she sang in the choir--including many solos and duets with her sister, Gloria Pulliam. Her favorite song was "Closer Walk With Thee" and scripture was the gift of love - 1st Corinthians 13th verse. Mother and homemaker, she provided wonderful meals that were often the setting for family commentary on the day's events or funny family stories. Survivors also include a brother, John Walton (Judi) of Sun City, Arizona and 12 nieces and nephews. Her best friend in life, Margaret (Shemwell) McCluskey, a former resident of both Doniphan and Columbia, preceded her in an untimely death on December 2, 2011. Burial will be in the Doniphan Oak Grove Cemetary. Memorials can be made to the Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Road, Columbia, MO, 65202 or the United Methodist Church, 305 Plum Street, of Doniphan, Missouri, 63935.