Margaret Aleene Van de Grift

Dr. Margaret Aleene Gainer Carroll King Van de Grift, age 91, passed away at home on Saturday, February 28 with her daughter, Margaret King Cole, son-in-law Jim R. Cole and grandson, Robert Atwill at her side. God, family, education, friends and her red hair were Aleene's aka "Queen Mother" greatest passions, closely followed by her dedication to Delta Kappa Gamma, Texas Woman's University and Northway Christian Church.

PROCEEDED IN DEATH BY HER: Three (3) magnificent husbands, Pvt. Al Bernard Carroll, Lohn, TX, age 19; Raymond Denton King, Denton, age 49; and Dr. Wm. H. Van de Grift, Dallas, age 86; Granddaughter, Kristin King Atwill, age 30; Brother & Sister-in-law Homer Odell & Betty Gainer; Cherished friend Jessie Sim; and other family members & friends.

CAREER: As a distinguished educator, Aleene's career began in 1947 in Justin, Texas, followed by 7 years in Krum, Texas where she taught Home Economics, Math and was the boys basketball time keeper. In 1955 Aleene transferred to Denton Junior High School. After obtaining her PhD in Child Development and Nutrition from TWU she served on the faculty at TSCW, Sam Houston University and Texas Woman's University. Aleene was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

QUALITIES: Dr. Van de Grift had a charismatic personality and was recognized for her intelligence, wit and unwavering commitment to educate, learn and mentor. She was widely recognized for her inspirational speeches and workshops. Aleene had a great sense of humor, was out-spoken, brilliant, funny and faithful, all combined with a shot of vinegar.

DELTA KAPPA GAMMA: Aleene's 58 year commitment to educating young people led to her serving at the local, state and international levels of The Delta Kappa Gamma, a Society which promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. She was initiated into Denton Iota Chapter in 1957 and transferred to Dallas Delta Tau Chapter in 1971. Dr. Van de Grift was honored to serve as the Texas State President in 1989-1991.

CHURCH: Aleene and her late husband Raymond King served on the building committee of the First Christian Church in Denton and were very involved in this wonderful church. In 1971 she transferred to Northway Christian of Dallas when she married Dr. Van.

THANK YOU: Thank you to Robert who cherished his "Nana" and filled her life with laughter/love/jokes/pranks and care. Thank you to Brianne, Michelle, Kathryn Wright, Marilyn Gregory and Ann Pomykal for their daily love, support and strength. Thank you Shirley Reynolds, Jody Pol, Catherine Davis and Traci Maffei-Hare for their guidance & encouragement.

A VILLAGE: A village of exceptional people enabled Aleene to have an extended quality life because of their regular and continued out pouring of love. Special thanks to all of her Delta Kappa Gamma sisters; TWU Dallas Alumni; Northway Christian Stephens Ministry and Sam & Norma Gainer.

SPECIAL FRIENDS: LaNelle Little of Lake Kiowa, Bill/Chris Little and their extended family, Ann Pomykal/David Seymour, Corinth, and her VIP Neiman-Marcus lunch bunch: JoAnn/Catherine/Patti/Darlene/Jean/Emma/Jeanie/Sheryl/Carolyn/Juanita/Joanne/Betty/Eileen/Kathryn/Marilyn/Ann/Jean Webb. The Queen Mother adored each of you!!!

MEDICAL CARE: Our family is indebted for the health care Aleene received from the doctors at Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas & for 45 years of care by Dr. Roy Fleischmann. Thank you to Southlake Home Care (Tanya) & New Century Hospice Care (Annette, Phyllis & Boomer).

SURVIVORS: Devoted caregivers, daughter Margaret Carroll King Cole, Son-in-Law Jim Cole, grandson Robert Bailey Atwill, Bentley the cat, and Lex the Dobie (RIP); Brother Dr. A. B. (Louise) Gainer, Katy, TX, Grandchildren Michelle (John) Nicholson and Great-grandchildren Mac and Lilly, Grapevine, TX. Great granddaughter, Brianne Bailey Wick, great-great granddaughter, Brooklyn Bailey Campbell, Newport Beach, CA, Step-Daughter Jan Van de Grift (Gale) Lofties, Granddaughter Amy (Tam) Nguyen and children, Gulfport, MS; Rex & Betsy Cole & their 3 daughters, Jana Osborn & her two sons, Charles (Clarice) Cole and Janice (John) Callarman; and nieces, nephews and cousins from the Gainer, Carroll, King and Van de Grift families.

VISITATION:

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 6 at Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, Texas

FUNERAL SERVICE:

10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7 at Northway Christian Church, 7202 W. Northwest Hwy. Dallas.

BURIAL:

3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7 at the Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, 3801 Roselawn Drive, Denton, Texas, next to Raymond D. King.

MEMORIALS:

Memorials may be made to ASTEP-DKG P.O. Box 79789, Dallas, TX 75379-7787; or TWU Dallas Alumni, 3256 Candlewood Trail, Plano, TX 75023 or Northway Christian Church, 7202 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX 75225.