Margaret Watson Mccorkle

Margaret Watson McCorkle, age 96, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2020, in Lakeland, FL, comforted by the love of her three daughters and their families, and the compassionate staff of Grace Manor Suites. Margaret was born on May 12, 1924, in Worth County, GA, the daughter of John Thomas Watson and Millie Euna (Young) Watson. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 34 years, Donald B. McCorkle, by her parents, and by her siblings Lyra Mae Lumpkin and Thomas Cleo Watson. Margaret is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Betsy and Steve Boyd of Greenville, NC, Donna and Burv Pugh of Travelers Rest, SC, and Barbara and Dwight Dempsey of Lakeland, FL, and by grandchildren Angela Owens, Rachel Owens, Michelle Weaver (Doug), Allison Byers (Chris) and Ryan Dempsey (Stephanie), along with three great-granddaughters, Isabella Salvi, Hailey Byers and Leila Tarleton. Margaret grew up on a farm in South Georgia. She enjoyed music and dancing, sports and community festivals. After graduating from Sumner High School in 1941, she moved to Albany, GA where she worked for Southern Bell Telephone Company. She was assigned to work the busy Atlanta switchboard for several months during WWII. At the age of 21, Margaret moved to Lakeland, FL where she worked for Peninsular Telephone Company. She married Donald B. McCorkle in 1948, and had three daughters. Margaret left her job as a switchboard operator and devoted herself to raising their children while her husband managed the store he owned, Don’s Fishing Tackle. A member of Parkview Baptist Church since 1959, Margaret taught Sunday School and later enjoyed the activities of the Young at Heart, as well as many church-sponsored trips around the country. Margaret enjoyed sewing, working in her yard, tending her flowers and visiting with her family. She also loved her dog Ginger, M&M’s and anything with peanut butter. Since January 2017, Margaret lived at Grace Manor Suites Assisted Living where she enjoyed making new friends, chatting with the staff and sampling the activities. She remained a devoted mother and grandmother, and loved her family dearly. There was a private burial October 8, 2020. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Parkview Baptist Church Young at Heart or Good Shepherd Hospice, both in Lakeland, FL.