Marguerite Henley Edelmann

Marguerite Henley Slate was born on March 7, 1928, during a snowstorm in Fayetteville, AR to Benjamin Isaac Slate and Grace Jeffries Slate. She would share with her children that while her mother labored to give birth at home; the doctor helped himself to most of the chocolate cake her mother had baked that day. Her sister, Gloria Dee Slate, was only 18 months older, and the two quickly became not only sisters, but life-long friends.

A bright child, Marguerite, learned how to read and write mostly from her older sister. That began a love of reading, which continued throughout her lifetime.

The family moved quite a bit during the years of the depression, but they settled in Fort Smith during her teenage years. She met and fell in love with Edwin Albert Edelmann, and on September 19, 1946, they married. Their first child, Michael, was born in late July 1947. They had two more sons, Christopher and Daniel, while living in Fort Smith.

A career opportunity brought them to Little Rock where the rest of their children were born, Patrick, Marguerite, and Rebecca. Her children and grandchildren were Marguerite’s greatest joy. Marguerite and Edwin were married 65 years at the time of his death in June of 2011.

Marguerite Henley Edelmann had a great faith, positive spirit, quick wit, a wonderful sense of humor (which sometimes could bring a little embarrassment to her children, which made her enjoy it even more). She loved animals, gardening, playing scrabble, reading, and camping. The best family memories were created on camping trips to Lake Ouachita.

Marguerite enjoyed working at the Arkansas State Department of Health from 1974 - 1993. She began as a cleric typist in Vital Records and eventually became an Executive Assistant to Dr. Thomas McChesney in Veterinary Public Health. She received many accommodations for her work including Outstanding State Employee for 1987. After retirement, Marguerite and Ed enjoyed many long car trips taking their beloved Corgi, Macintosh, with them.

A convert to Catholicism, she had a deep faith, which she helped instill in her children. She had a special devotion to Jesus’ mother, Mary. The children were often called in from play to pray the rosary together.

Marguerite is preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Grace Slate, her husband Ed Edelmann, her granddaughters, Amy Edelmann Atterberry and Marissa Edelmann.

Marguerite leaves behind a rich legacy of love. She is survived by her sister, Gloria Dee Lord, her children: Mike (Dana), Chris (Mary), Dan (Karen), Pat (Debbie), Marguerite (Leo Olberts), and Becky, 17 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Her family understands how blessed they are to have loved and been loved by her. She never failed to send a birthday card, and during every visit she was always interested in their lives. She remembered each person even until the end. Some of her last thoughts were about birthday cards that needed to be sent.

She died at her home of 69 years surrounded by the love of her family. With her deep love of Jesus and His mother, Mary, it is fitting that she passed from this world into eternal rest on Saturday, August 15, 2026, on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into heaven.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 AM Monday, August 24, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church. Pastor, Father Juan Guido, will be the celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock. A visitation will be held at Griffin, Leggett, Healey, and Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W 12th St., Little Rock, AR on Sunday, August 23rd from 5 – 6 PM with a Rosary beginning at 6:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church Parish Vision Fund, the Arkansas Food Bank, or Helping Hand.