Margaret McRee Spears Telford

Margaret Telford passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 12, 2014 in her home in Toccoa Georgia. Born in Gainesville Georgia on April 27, 1928, she was 85 years old. She was the daughter of Leon Benjamin Spears and Grace McRee Spears. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Gordon Telford, Sr.

Margaret received an Associate Degree from Brenau College. She graduated from Emory University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. After settling in Toccoa in 1953 with her husband, Margaret was a nurse in the medical practice of Dr. Robert Shiflett. An active member of the United Methodist Church of Toccoa, Margaret served as president of the Women's Society for Christian Service, now known as United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Toccoa Garden Club and the Toccoa Cotillion Club. She also served as Den Mother for the Cub Scouts.

In 1963, Margaret and Gordon moved to Carnesville Georgia where Margaret became an active member of the Carnesville United Methodist Church. She was a Sunday school teacher and active in the children's ministries of the church. An avid reader, she served on the Carnesville/Franklin County Library Board and chaired the Heart Drive for the Franklin County Heart Association.

After moving back to Toccoa in 1996, Margaret quietly settled into her life as a devoted grandmother of her beloved grandchildren. She was a professional grandmother not only to her own grandchildren but also to the young children of close friends. Providing a loving home and enjoying fun times with her family was one of her greatest joys.

In addition to her husband, Margaret is survived by her son Gordon Telford, Jr. and wife Julie of Braselton Georgia, her daughter Mary Piggott and husband Tom of Wilson North Carolina; and six grandchildren Jay Telford of Braselton, Maggie Piggott Lyons and husband Troy of Washington DC, Laura Piggott of Raleigh North Carolina, Kathryn Telford of Decatur Georgia, and Georgia and Kristi Moore of Brasleton. She was predeceased by a brother, Ben Spears of Atlanta Georgia. She is also survived by nieces and nephew, Dana, Caroline, Ben, and Irene Spears.

Memorial service will be Saturday, February 15, 11 O'clock AM at the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dr. John Brown officiating. The family will receive friends at the church fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of one's choice. Acree-Davis Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Margaret McRee Spears Telford.

Online condolences can be made by visiting the website at www.acree-davisfh.com.