Margaret Ann Ward Killough

Margaret is survived by her children, Karla Killough of Houston, TX., Kenneth Killough of Swansea, IL., Kraig Killough and his wife Mary Broussard of Houston, TX.; her sisters Jean Green of Detroit MI., Yvonne Ward of Sun City, AZ., her brothers Theotus Ward, Jr. of Detroit, MI. and Steven Ward of Phoenix, AZ.; 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Geneva and Theotus Ward of Detroit, MI, her sisters Vivian Upshaw and Carol Lynn Coe, both of Detroit, MI.

Margaret was born on January 20, 1932 in Detroit, MI to Geneva and Theotus Ward. Margaret graduated from Cass Technical High School. She received her nursing certificate in 1953. She then went on to receive her Bachelors of Arts from the University of Michigan, then her Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit, as well as a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Ohio University.

Margaret enjoyed many careers. She worked as a nurse for over 20 years, practiced law for the US Government for eight years, and worked as an administrator for the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) for 4 years. Margaret retired as a Professor of Law and Healthcare Communications with Ohio University. During retirement, Margaret had a desire to continue contributing in the field of education and went back to work for four years as a substitute teacher in the Illinois school system.

Margaret was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and many other organizations, giving over 50 years of community service. She helped establish the first battered women’s shelter in Detroit, MI., worked with the National Organization of Women (NOW) during the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) struggle of the early 70’s, served throughout the 80’s and 90’s on the boards of American Society of Trial Consultants, American Heart Association, United Campus Ministry, Worker Owned Network Cooperative and Bassett House (Adolescent Alcohol & Drug Abuse Treatment Facility). She was also a member of University Programs in Health Administration, American College of Health Care Administrators, Speech Communication Associations and American Association of University Women. During the 2000’s, Margaret was an active member of the Red Hat Society, YWCA and several sewing guilds.

Not only was Margaret an accomplished teacher, orator and activist, but she was a talented quilter, seamstress and enjoyed making quilts, dolls and clothes for friends and family.

Margaret’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all the family and friends that visited, called, prayed and offered condolences. Many thanks to Cynthia and Frank Massey of Illinois, plus the many healthcare professionals that uplifted her during time in Illinois and Missouri. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to Jennifer Strawn, Michelle Lopez from Altus Home Health and Amy Duroux. These nurses took care of Mom daily until her passing.

May God bless you and keep you in great health and prosperity. Your outpouring of love and compassion will always be remembered.

Memorial donations may be made in Margaret's honor to the LIFE program at Kent University by going online www.givetokent.org/main.aspx

You can find out more about the LIFE program here http://www.kent.edu/cavs/life-program