OBITUARY
Margaret Tipton
February 23, 1922 – February 14, 2021
Mrs. Margaret Tipton, 98, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 14, 2021. She was born on February 23, 1922 in Sulligent, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her husband of thirty years, Milton Tipton and her parents, Davis Clarence Sorrells and Aubrey Lee Rushing. She is also preceded in death by her two brothers, Stanley Sorrells and Ralph Sarrels (Anne); and one sister, Jeanie Billingsley (Charley). She is survived by her daughter, Susan Irwin (Wally) of Birmingham, AL., son, Randy Tipton (Terry) of Birmingham, Al., and sister-in-law, Helen Sorrells of Birmingham, Al. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Billy Tipton, Sean Tipton (Abbey), Andrea Harris (Brian), and Katie Cusimano (Chase) all of Birmingham, Al., four great-grandchildren, Madison and Taylor Harris, Caroline and Christopher Cusimano, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mrs. Tipton graduated from Sulligent High School in 1940 and then moved to Birmingham, AL. and became a member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church. Milton and Margaret were married on December 1, 1945 after he returned from service in WWII. She loved to work on jigsaw puzzles and walked over a mile a day until her mid 80's, even though she had to bundle up in the cold weather. She had bird feeders and watched hummingbirds and birds coming to get nectar or seeds. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy and made her laugh more easily than anyone and she would often tell them about her farming childhood that would amaze them. Even in her last couple of years as her dementia progressed, she always wanted to know about the great-grandchildren which she called "the babies". She was thoughtful and enjoyed cooking and sending food to her neighbors. For her children and grandchildren, she always cooked them a birthday meal of their favorites. She also liked her CD player that would play "old timey" country , big band and hymn music.
A public visitation will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 1:00pm-1:45pm in the chapel of Johns Ridout's Elmwood Chapel located at 800 Dennison Ave. SW Birmingham, AL. with a Celebration of Life Graveside Service to follow at Elmwood Cemetery at 2:00pm. Masks and social distancing is recommended. Elder Lon Moon will be officiating. John Ridout's Elmwood Chapel directing.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to two of her favorite charities. The Salvation Army and the American Heart Association.
DONATIONS
- The Salvation Army
- American Heart Association
Services
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Visitation
Saturday, February 20, 2021
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A Celebration of Life
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Memories
Margaret Tipton
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ADD A MEMORYRusty Billingsley
February 19, 2021
I have nothing but the fondest memories of my Aunt Margaret. My mother, Jean, was her baby sister. Our families, the Billingsleys and Tiptons, spent some really good times together. We (Billingsleys) lived in Houston, and we'd go to Birmingham once every year or two, and the Tiptons would come to visit Houston every so often. I can remember the house on Shady Crest, riding down the hills on bicycles and going to the Jot 'em Down store. I was always excited to see Aunt Margaret and Uncle Tip, and that house felt like a second home to me. Years later, I went to a conference for work and realized I was somewhere near the old house, and I found it!
My Aunt was a lot like my mom, and I could tell they loved each other very much. One of my fondest memories (other than us children acting so silly in front of both sets of parents) was when my wife and I decided to go snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park. We had a daughter who was about 2 years old at the time. We asked my mother to come to Albuquerque and watch her. She invited my Aunt Margaret to come too. After we returned, I'm quite sure my mom and Aunt Margaret had more fun together watching our toddler than we did on the trip! The got caught in the car in a dust storm, it snowed on them, and they had the best time watching my daughter, Patricia.
Another memory was a trip we took to Mexico and the Texas Hill Country for a few nights in a hunting cabin. The parents, my mom and dad plus Uncle Tip and Aunt Margaret, stayed up all hours of the night playing cards. I couldn't sleep because they were laughing so loud!
I was REALLY happy Aunt Margaret was able to come visit mom before mom passed away. The picture I attached shows the two of them holding hands in the chairs in the living room. Mom passed less than a year later. When I see that picture, I often wonder what was going through their heads. I'm pretty sure they felt blessed to have each other. Rest in peace, Aunt Margaret. I love you very much!
Peggy Billingsley
February 18, 2021
I will miss coming to visit with Aunt Margaret and hearing all of the stories she would tell. Aunt Margaret and my Mom were very close sisters and our families also close. Aunt Margaret never missed a birthday or a Merry Christmas and always made it a point to call. I remember coming to stay at Aunt Margaret’s apartment to sleep on the cool bed that came down from the wall I would call it. My Mom and Aunt Margaret and I would stay up late talking and talking and she always sent pictures home with me she knew I would love. She had the same caring and kind heart as Mom did and I loved her very much. We would either come to visit every summer or Aunt Margaret, Uncle Tip, Susie and Randy would come to visit us. The last trip we finally went to go see the wildflowers in Texas. Mom and Aunt Margaret were in the back seat and kept checking on each other to make sure the other one was ok. This was when Mom was sick. I looked back one time and noticed they were holding hands so I imagine they are now. Sisters together again.💗Love to Susie, Randy and all of their family. I love you all very much. You were and have always been very special to our family.