Margaret Moody

Margaret Van Valkenburgh “Margie” Moody, 79, beloved wife, devoted mother, and adoring “Mimi” was born on September 10, 1942 to Harry T and Frances Brush Van Valkenburgh in Sterling, CO and died in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 13, 2021 in Montgomery.

Margie graduated from Sterling High School in 1960 and pursued her undergraduate education at Trinity University in San Antonio where she earned a BA in Political Science and Spanish. After teaching Government for three years at Robert E Lee High School in San Antonio, she decided to join her sister Sally as a graduate student in the Department of Government at the University of Texas at Austin where both Margie and Sally were teaching assistants, and Margie earned a Masters Degree in Government. She also taught high school Spanish at Reagan High in Austin.

After meeting Bradley in graduate school at UT, they were married in June 1969 and moved to Montgomery in late summer 1972. After first working in the AUM library, Margie became a sixth grade teacher in January 1973 at Dannelly Elementary School in Montgomery. Because Margie was born to teach, and because teaching abilities at least to some degree cross all levels of education, she was able to have considerable success with a group of sixth graders who needed lots of her love, concern, and ability as a teacher. She then spent two years teaching Spanish at Lanier High School before taking a position in the Department of Government/Political Science at Auburn University Montgomery in 1975.

AUM was her professional home until she retired in 2008, teaching introductory American Politics and upper division Political Parties and Legislative Process courses. In the classroom, she was always knowledgeable but caring, in control but open to different points of view, and always fair and just in her relationships with students. She loved teaching, and she was super-excellent in the classroom. But Margie was also the kind of advisor every student hopes to have. As an advisor to both Political Science and Pre-Law undergraduates she was fully informed about each student and concerned about finding the best way to accomplish their goals. No amount of time was too great if she could help a deserving student, but she could also be the “advisor from hell” if she thought the student was trying to pull a “fast one.” She also found great enjoyment from her role as an advisor to the AUM chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, an honorary leadership society. When she retired from AUM, with the support of many of her former students and colleagues, an undergraduate scholarship in Political Science was established in her name.

For approximately 40 years, Margie has been an active member of First United Methodist Church and the Forester Sunday School class and participated actively in many other church programs including Bible studies, sharing being in charge of the acolytes, and supporting and enjoying all of the music programs.

Margie’s longtime membership in P.E.O. was a very significant part of her life. This included being president of Chapter O in Montgomery for two years and serving as treasurer for the last year and a half. She absolutely believed in and supported that organization’s devotion to supporting women who were pursuing greater educational achievements.

Margie had a strong faith she lived by on a daily basis in everything she did. She took great pride in the professional and educational accomplishments of women supported by her P.E.O. chapter. She loved the Forester Sunday School class which she taught on many occasions, was an active participant in the lively but always civil class discussions, and was always ready to be a part of supporting the class’s efforts to assist members and their families in times of need.

That faith was likely most evident in the 40 plus years she spent teaching college, high school, and, if only for one semester, sixth grade classes. She loved her students and they knew it. But they also knew they better do the work. She was able to pat them on the back when they were discouraged and in need of a friendly word but equally able to make it clear when their lack of success was their own fault. If they needed help, she gave it. But if they needed tough love, that’s what they got.

Margie loved to cook and hated how her Rheumatoid Arthritis slowed her in the kitchen. Her ultimate kitchen triumph was the Julia Child Queen of Sheba Chocolate Cake which she made for every one of Bradley’s, Mark’s, and Knox’s birthdays since Margie and Bradley moved to Montgomery. The last one she made was for Knox’s birthday on the Wednesday before she went to the hospital. And it was one of her best.

Margie’s survivors include her husband of 52 years, Bradley; her son, Mark and grandson, Knox, of Montgomery; sister, Sally V Haywood of Williamsville NY and nieces Julia Haywood and Jennifer Earlandt-Haywood (Rebecca) and two great-nephews; cousin Mary Elizabeth Van Valkenburgh of Atlanta; and “adopted” Finnish daughter, Sanna Hardin (Andy) of Auburn.

Margie’s family thanks Dr. Jack Evans and Dr. Jon Dailey for their care and support during her struggle with RA. They epitomize the best of the medical profession; she was fortunate to be their patient. We also want to very much thank the nurses, doctors, and other staff of the Stepdown Intensive Care Department at Baptist Medical Center East in Montgomery for their thoroughly professional and always compassionate care during Margie’s hospitalization. They are also examples of the best of the health care profession and made what was inevitably difficult so much easier. We wish we could list all of them, but they know who they are and we are grateful to them.

A celebration of Margie’s life will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 11:00 at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery. Visitation will be at the church at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to one of these organizations: The Music Ministry of First United Methodist Church, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery, Alabama 36106; the Stegall Seminary Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 241661, Montgomery, Alabama 36124; P.E.O. (philanthropic organization devoted to supporting education for women) c/o Alline Russell, President Chapter O, 8616 Lillian Place, Montgomery, Al 36117; or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the MOODY family.