Dr. Margaret G. Saxon

Dr. Margaret Goodwin Saxon, beloved widow, mother, sister, sister in law, mother in law, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, was born on August 6, 1935 in Columbia, South Carolina and departed this life on Sunday, November 12, 2017. Margaret began her life as the middle daughter of three daughters, Dorothy and Rebecca, and the ninth child born of ten to Randolph and Margaret (Dowdy) Goodwin. Never to let something like birth order determine her path, Margaret set off to blaze her own spectacular path. Education was always important to Margaret, even at an early age. A bright and inquisitive girl, she received her early education in Columbia, South Carolina. Graduating with honors Magnum Cum Laude from Allen University in 1954, Margaret would continue her pursuit of higher education. Margaret, continuing her quest for knowledge, combined with her love of children and smart business sense, pursued and attained her M.B.A. in Business Education at Columbia Business School in New York City, circa 1958. Love entered Margaret’s life when she met her beloved husband, Harry J. Saxon. Once married, they soon traveled off to Nuremberg, Germany where Harry was stationed in the U.S. Army. After getting settled in, Margaret began teaching at the Nurnberg American High School, which served the children of American military, government, and civilian personnel. While in Germany, in 1960, Harry and Margaret’s union was blessed with a beautiful baby boy they named Harold Lynn Saxon. Upon returning to the states side, their blessings continued to mount with the birth of their second son, Daren Lemont in 1968. The 70’s found Margaret eager to charge ahead at full speed. She was appointed assistant principal at Cardozo High in Washington, D.C., after successfully launching a new pilot program for the district in Business Education in Secondary Education. Her business model was successfully implemented in the development of curriculum for the D.C. Public Schools system. While continuing her career, now as principal of Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C., Margaret decided she still had one more challenge she needed to pursue. She wanted her Doctorate degree. So Margaret began the Doctoral Program at Nova University (Nova Southeastern University), Florida, in Education. Like every endeavor Margaret faced, she excelled in the program. While working on her dissertation relentlessly, Margaret continued to be a wife and mother, while working full time as principal of a large metropolitan high school, and encouraging and helping her husband Harry as he began starting a new business in Information Technology. In 1975, Margaret received her Doctorate in Education. But she was not finished dreaming. After retirement from administration in D.C. Public schools, Margaret went on to launch successful technology companies with her sons, such as MHD Technologies. Margaret never stopped wanting to learn. She was never satisfied. She never wanted the people around her to stop learning, and she always found a way to make a way. Margaret and Harry enjoyed over 50 years of love and joy spent with their sons, siblings, and large families celebrating and entertaining. Days spent sailing on their yacht the Ocean Breeze, and moments shared at their homes in Potomac, Maryland and Brigantine, New Jersey, were among her favorite times. Margaret found lasting fulfillment in the love of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated. She also enjoyed travelling with her sister, Rebecca, near and far, to Hawaii, Las Vegas, California, Canada, New York, Atlantic City, and often cruising to the Bahamas. Margaret lived a life of dreams. Dreams that she accomplished gracefully, confidently, and exceptionally, one by one. Margaret is survived by one devoted son: Daren L. (Joye), loving sister: Rebecca G. Shaw, loving niece/daughter: Shaundra Yvette Brown (Linwood), devoted nephews: Artie Shaw (Vernelle) and Ronald Shaw, daughter in law: Karen, grandsons: Hamilton, Eric, granddaughters: Ryan and Maya, and a host of other family and friends, who will cherish her memory.