Margaret McGarity’s life has been one of resilience, service, and a heart for others. Born in 1927 in Washington, Georgia, as the youngest of ten children on a farm, she learned early the value of hard work, discipline, and faith. You prayed before meals or you didn’t eat, and chores and school work were part of your daily routine. “Make yourself useful” is her motto, and she lives by it every day. Known for her fiery spirit, Margaret has never backed down from a challenge—once even striking a bully with a rock to protect herself.
After earning a scholarship to Southern Business University, Margaret moved to Atlanta, where she met Lamar. They married in 1946. They first attended a Baptist Church but joined Shallowford in 1968, because they wanted to be closer to their home. “I liked the ‘Let’s get it done’ attitude of people at Shallowford,” Margaret said. “I never met a person there I didn’t like.”
Margaret quickly became involved in church activities. She eagerly contributed, cooking and distributing meals for the men at the Night Shelter with member Ken Quist. Margaret also took home dirty tablecloths and washed them after church suppers.
“If you can do something, do it!” is another one of Margaret’s mottos. “The best way to forget your troubles is to help someone else.”
However, Margaret’s most lasting impact at Shallowford came through her idea of the Alzheimer’s Support Group. When her husband Lamar was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Margaret understood the desperate need for caregiver support. In 1994, she met with Pastor Gray Norsworthy, and not long after Pastor Bill Carr started the group, which became the largest of its kind in Atlanta. Today, the group continues to meet weekly online through the Alzheimer’s Association, a testament to Margaret’s vision and compassion.
Margaret’s legacy is a reminder of the power of service and community. “Our heart is big enough to love many people,” she believes. “We are intended to take care of each other.” Through your generosity, we continue the work Margaret started, inviting all people to a faithful way of life in Christ and in community. Thank you for following her example of selflessness and service.
