Margaret Royse

Margaret Ann Wilson Royse was born in Terrell, TX on October 5, 1931 to Lennie Allen Wilson and Bertha Lee Laman Wilson. Margaret, or Meme, as she was affectionately known, went home to Heaven and met face to face with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 11, 2016 from her daughter’s home in the Poetry Community where she had lived for the last seven years. Before that, Margaret had lived in her home in Poetry and had been a resident of the Poetry Community since 1946. Margaret and daughter, Rita, had very special times together during the last seven years. Not only did they share a home together, but they were also best friends and had many memorable talks, outings, and several wonderful trips along with other family members. Those years together will always be special memories for Rita and family. Margaret was dedicated to her Lord and faithfully witnessed His presence in her life and the need for others to give their lives to Christ. Her greatest desire was for all her family to know Christ as their Savior. She was a charter member of Faith Temple Baptist Church. Early meetings which started the church were in her back yard. For many years Margaret was a dedicated Bible teacher at her church, and her family has fond memories of her studying intensely for many hours preparing to teach. Her love of God’s Word and teaching it led to her expansive library of theology books. Margaret was also intense in her genealogy study of her family. For years she researched her family’s history, even travelling out of state to gain information. She also researched the history of the Poetry Community and even published a book about the history of Poetry called Poetic Beginnings. A few years ago Margaret was interviewed as part of a documentary authorized by the BBC and produced by poet, author and producer Pejk Malinovsky, entitled Poetry, Texas. It has been translated into several languages and played throughout Europe to packed audiences. She had no idea her words had touched so many in other countries. Sewing creative clothing for family and others was also a passion for Margaret. She has designed and sewn countless garments for her daughter and grandchildren, and she even made wedding dresses for friends. In later years she designed and sewed many quilts for all her family. These quilts are now lasting evidence of her love for family. Being wrapped in a quilt from “Meme” will comfort family members for a very long time. Photography was also a major part of Margaret’s life, and she took classes to hone her skills. She made sure to record her family’s history in photographs. Margaret served her community by serving as a board member for the Poetry Water Supply Corporation since its inception in 1966. She was originally involved in its research, planning and acquiring of required members to form the corporation. Margaret retired from the Terrell State Hospital after 28 years of working there as a clerk, bookkeeper and purchaser. In earlier years she worked for Texas Aluminum Fronts as a bookkeeper. As a young woman she worked for the Ranger Boot Factory in Terrell where she did what was known as the “fancy stitching” for the boots, and she once did the fancy stitching on boots for Roy Rogers. Of all her accomplishments Margaret will be most remembered as a loving, caring and dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who served her Lord and who gave all for her family. She exhibited selfless love beyond measure to her family and was active in all parts of their lives. Many will forever remember her laughter, her joy of living, and her enthusiasm for life, as well as the way she taught and lived joy. Her greatest passion was Christ and then her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to God and family that is an example for all to follow. Margaret married at a young age to G.V. Royse, Jr. on Sept. 6, 1947, and celebrated 56 years together before his death in 2003. To their marriage was born a son, Gary, and a daughter, Rita, and today she has quite a large extended family including 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. The Royse family invited cousin, Debe Burney, to live with them as a foster daughter in 1971, and she became a permanent part of the Royse family. Margaret is survived by her daughter, Rita Royse Scott and husband Darrell, their children Jennifer Jennings and husband, Heath, Whitney Shortt and husband, Kendall, Cody Scott and wife, Whitney, Emily Black and husband, Tyler, Bo Scott and Micah Scott. The children of Son, Gary, Timothy Royse and wife, Melissa, and Lisa Skurlock and husband, Daniel. Thirteen great-grandchildren, Katie Royse, Andrew Foster, Hunter, Peyton, Canyon and Kolton Skurlock, Abigail, Beth, Kathrine and Megan Jennings, Caden and Cason Scott, and Shiloh Black. Foster daughter Debe Burney, husband, Mike, and daughter Kara. Sister-in-law Margaret Blassius. Sisters Kay Adkisson, Bonnie Whitley, Alta Morgan and Viola Reyes. Many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Proceeding her in death are her husband, G.V. Royse, Jr., her son, Gary Lynn Royse, her daughter-in-law, Adela Reyes Royse, her parents Lennie and Bertha Wilson and her siblings Winona Williamson, Robert Wilson and Lennie Wilson, Jr. Margaret will be greatly missed by family and friends who all rejoice that she now resides in Heaven. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday June 16, 2016 at Faith Temple Baptist Church 11214 F.M. 1565 Terrell interment will follow at Campground Cemetery. Family will receive friends Wednesday June 15 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel.

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Margaret Royse

October 5, 1931 - June 11, 2016