Born on September 7, 1937, in Carbondale, Illinois, to G.C. and Reatha Taylor, both of whom preceded her in death. She was raised in Carbondale alongside an older brother, who said she was cheerful and very inquisitive, and two younger sisters who admired and looked up to her. Her baby sister often said Margaret was quiet with a calm reassuring presence.

Margaret met her beloved husband, Charles G. Wren, while he was attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. As the story goes, Charles was driving down the street and came upon a beautiful young lady and his line to her was, "Hey little girl..." That simple moment marked the beginning of a lifelong love. Margaret and Charles were married in September 1957 and made their home in East St. Louis, Illinois.

The couple purchased a modest one-bedroom house where Charles promised to use his carpentry skills to build upon it and make it the home of Margaret's dreams. Over the years, the house on 53rd Street underwent three major expansions and remains their home to this day -- a place that Margaret dearly loved.

From their union were born two children, Keenan and LaVerna (SooZie) of whom Margaret was immensely proud. She often said, "I have the best kids in the world."

EDUCATION

Margaret attended Attucks Elementary School and, later, Carbondale High School near the campus of SIU in Carbondale, IL, where her passion for education first took root. The school's close connection to teacher preparation inspired her lifelong goal of becoming an educator and helped shape her future path. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and her Master's Degree in Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

CAREER

Margaret dedicated close to 35 years teaching first and second grade in Cahokia School District 187. Through her patience, care and unwavering commitment to excellence, she touched countless lives as an educator. Her dedication was recognized in 1975 when she was nominated for Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America.

PERSONALITY

Margaret possessed the rare grace of a cultured pearl -- pure in spirit, refined in manner, and elegant in presence. Her sophistication, warmth, and timeless beauty left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

FAITH AND PASSION

Margaret was a devoted Christian who served the Lord not only in words, but through daily acts of kindness, prayer, and quiet leadership. As one of the founders of Christian Women of the New Wave (est. 1984), she helped build a faith-centered community dedicated to uplifting and encouraging women. Her commitment to God leaves an enduring and inspiring legacy.

THINGS THAT MADE HER HAPPY

Margaret found joy in reading the Bible and spiritually-based literature that nurtured her faith. She took great pleasure in caring for and spoiling her husband, Charles, and she cherished time spent loving on her son, Keenan. She enjoyed visiting her daughter, SooZie, and her family near Chicago as well as traveling and spending time with her brother, sisters, and in-laws. Though she did not enjoy cooking, she took pride in maintaining a meticulously clean home. Known for her brief catnaps, she required little rest. In her later years, we discovered that she liked to dance, a rekindling of her "modern dancing" from her youth.

Margaret leaves us to cherish her memories of a life so beautifully lived: Charles, her husband of 68 years who called her "Loud Mouth" because of her quiet and soft-spoken demeanor. She called him "Pasquale," picking up on a nickname one of his high school classmates had given to him; Keenan, her son who called her "Momma"; SooZie, her daughter who called her just plain "Ma"; Terry, her son-in-law who tagged her as "Moms"; her five grandsons, all of who called her, "Grandmother," Jerrod Mitchell, Treymel (Kelse) Triplett, Jordan (Mark) Wren, Tyler Triplett, Dorian Wren; a great-grandson, Cross Mitchell; a great granddaughter, Teigen Triplett; her siblings, Robert (Bobbie) Taylor, Mary Wright, Jewel Morgan; brothers and sisters-in-law of the Wren family who were more than just in-laws, Ruth Marshall, LuBerta Wren, Lee Wren, Sally Johnson, Wardie (Carla) Wren, Melvin Wren (Gail), Marion (Desiree) Wren; a host of nieces and nephews, most of whom had their own personal bonds with her, many cousins who cherished her dearly, and numerous friends who absolutely adored and admired her.

In honor of Margaret's love for white flowers, the family kindly requests that any floral arrangements be all white flowers. Plants are also welcomed.