Margaret Elizabeth Harris Brackett

Margaret Elizabeth Harris Brackett, age 98, of Peachtree Corners, Ga., passed away March 29, 2023. She was born in Edgefield, SC on October 8, 1924 to Claude Edward Harris and Margaret Elizabeth Wells. Margaret was a devoted wife and mother. She graduated from Girl’s High in 1943. After graduation she worked for Trust Company Bank of Georgia where she was trained by her future husband, Fulton Brackett. In 1943 Margaret and Fulton became engaged and married June, 1946, shortly after Fulton’s honorable discharge from the Navy. A few years after their marriage, Margaret helped Fulton prepare for the bar exam. She was always proud of the fact he passed the first time. Margaret said that she could have passed it also. Margaret was the oldest of three girls. During the depression Margaret lived in various states due to father’s jobs. She was always proud that her father, Claude Harris, had been offered a full scholarship to Clemson University which he had to decline because his family needed him on the family farm in Edgefield, SC. However, when the depression came, her father always had a job. Margaret seemed to love living in Washington, DC. the most. She enjoyed telling stories about watching people come and go from the White House while sitting close to the entrance. Her mother always took her to the FDR speeches on Christmas Eve. During the family’s time in DC, FDR started the March of Dimes. Margaret and her sister, Mary Helen used their father’s bus pass on the weekends go all over DC. Her sister, Mary Helen, always knew where the Hollywood stars were located. Margaret loved telling the story of going with Mary Helen to get Lana Turner’s autograph. Martha Jean was too young to be included in their adventures.

Margaret loved her family, friends and neighbors. She outlived so many of her friends, but the fond memories remained until the end. Margaret continued into her 90’s (50 years) meeting the first week of December with the West Manor Baptist Church group for a Christmas Luncheon. The group started with husbands and wives. As special friends passed away, the oldest child would go with the parent. Margaret was often accompanied by her niece, Linda Nash, when her daughter was unable to attend. This group represented a multi-generational bond that continues today. For over 25 years Margaret was a member of the Sewing Club of Church at Wieuca f/k/a Wieuca Road Baptist Church. The ladies did very little sewing, but enjoyed their monthly luncheons and annual Christmas Parties. Margaret loved the Wedgewood Chase neighbors and neighborhood where she lived for 37 years. She also treasured the time living in the family home on St. Augustine Place from her Girls High years until her marriage in 1946. Margaret had fond memories of the first apartment she and Fulton rented. It was difficult to find apartments after WWII. She and Fulton were happy to move in and happier to move out of their first apartment they called “Moldy Manor.”

Margaret loved the family Christmas Eve gatherings that were first started in the family home on St. Augustine Place. After her Mother passed away, the gatherings were hosted by Margaret and her sisters for many years. She enjoyed the family lake home. She enjoyed the annual fish fry on July 4th at lake house. The fish were caught by Fulton, her father and her son in law, Bill. Margaret enjoyed the family lake home, primarily because she could have a large garden. She was not interested in boating, fishing or swimming, but loved watching her green beans grow.

Margaret is preceded in death by her husband, Claud Fulton Brackett, Jr., her sisters Martha Jean Elrod (Pete), Mary Helen Bond (Frank Gresham) and her son in law, Bill Mishoe. She is survived by her children Gail Brackett and Claud Brackett, Claudia Lawson and a host of nieces, nephews and their families. Margaret was an active member of Church at Wieuca, before her health declined.

The family will receive friends at H.M. Patterson & Son - Oglethorpe on April 3, 2023, 11 a.m. – 12:30. The funeral service will begin at 1 pm with Dr. Mark Wilbanks officiating. Interment will follow at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Church at Wieuca for Camp Wieuca or Children’s Ministry are appreciated. Memorial gifts can be made online at Wieuca.org or mailed to 3626 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30326.