Margaret McAllister – 11-14-2020

Margaret Elizabeth McAllister 94, of Asbury Park, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Manor by the Sea.  She was born in Norfolk, Virginia on December 6, 1925 to Frank Smith and Mae Liza Butts from Philadelphia, PA.

Childhood memories were filled with many glorious days spent at church.  She attended school until eighth grade and then went on to help with farm work such as preparing meals and feeding the animals.

Margaret did housework for families in Asbury Park and Deal; also for attorneys Mattice and Green on Madison Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ.  She worked at Grants Department Store and Orchard Cleaners both in Neptune City, NJ.  It was at the cleaners that she learned the skill of tapestry of clothing and hats on professional press equipment.  Later, she worked at Bond Street School in Asbury Park in the cafeteria.

Margaret lived her life enjoying knitting, canning fruit and vegetables but most of all, singing.  Over her lifetime, she would sing at church and also taught all her children to sing.  They have many treasured memories of making joyful music together.  One thing she learned that the younger generation might be inspired by is to work hard and make an honest living.  God was at the center of Margaret's life and she would often say, "He is the truth, the way, and the light." The light within her shined bright and brought joy to all those around her.

Margaret was married to Isham McAllister Sr., and her most rewarding occupation was being a loving mother to five children Carolyn Washington, Isham McAllister Jr. (deceased), Frank McAllister, Garry McAllister (deceased) and Gail Navarro.  She was most grateful for her dear sister Dorothy and her children, seventeen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren and sixteen great-great grandchildren.  She also was loved and blessed at her Manor by the Sea community.