Margaret Elizabeth Belden Harvey

Margaret Harvey, 101, passed on to her place prepared in heaven at 7 p.m. May 9, 2011, at the home of her daughter, Carolyn Lilley, in Branson, Missouri. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, May 16, 2011 at Bratcher Funeral Home in, Denison, Texas, with Rev. Jim Hawthorne officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, 1501 Hwy. 91 N, Denison, TX 75020.

Margaret was born in Sherman, Texas, on October 29, 1909, to Ora J. and Maggie Belden. She spent her early years in Sherman attending Sherman schools, graduating from Austin College in 1932. She married Marion Dain Harvey in 1934, and four children were born to that union. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

One of her outstanding character qualities was her integrity. Even when she played games with her grandchildren, she insisted on fair play along with being a strong competitor. One of her hobbies was playing bridge, playing in the same bridge club for more than 50 years. She was a member and an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Denison and a member of Circle 6, serving in the office of treasurer. She also served as an election judge for many years, as well as in PTA during her children’s school years.

She loved to travel and made many trips across the U. S., Canada and Mexico with her husband and sisters. Margaret loved to work in her flower garden, enjoying God’s great outdoors. She loved music and played the violin in her early years. In the last couple of years, she would sing “Jesus Loves Me” upon request and sang “Happy Birthday” solo, on notice.

Margaret and Dain were married 64 years, and after his death she lived with her sister, Gladice, in Sherman. Both were under the dedicated care of Lois Raines and her staff, until she moved to Branson in 2009 to live with her daughter Carolyn and husband, Jerry. She was cared for by family and friends, especially by caregivers who all called her “Grandma.” Caroline Niboh was a special caregiver as was the Hospice Compassus team. She blessed their home and all their family with her wit, singing and good nature. She confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and is even now experiencing the joys of eternal life that salvation in Him promises.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Richard, three sisters, two brothers, two half brothers and one step brother. Surviving family members include two sons, Jerry Harvey and wife Danna of Houston, Texas, Mike Harvey and wife, Karen of Fairhope, Alabama; daughter Carolyn Lilley and husband Jerry of Branson, Missouri; grandchildren Phil Lilley and wife Marsha of Branson, MO; Lisa Henderson and husband Paul of Harrison, AR, Dr. Ben Harvey and wife Dawn of Spring, TX, Dr. Bryan Harvey of Bentonville, AR, Abraham Harvey and wife Kara of Evans, GA, Susan Carthew of Rochester, MI, Ryan Harvey of Dallas, Andrew Harvey of Troy, AL, Julie Little and husband Joe of Sugarland, TX, Kim Drennan of Cedarhill, TX, Tammy Darraugh and husband Marcus of Henderson, TX; daughter-in-law Joanna Drennan and husband Dave of Denison; twenty great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; two nieces and three nephews.

Memorials may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, 213 Burnett Avenue, Denison, Texas 75020, or the Free Medical Clinic of the Ozarks, 118 Third St., Branson, Missouri 65616.

Arrangements are entrusted to Bratcher Funeral Home, 401 W. Woodard Street, Denison, TX 75020, (903) 465-2323. Further information is on our website at wwwbratcherfuneralhome.com