Margaret lived in Thrall 89 of her 90 years, only moving to Fort Worth during the Great Depression.
She graduated from Thrall Schools in 1945, graduated from Southwest Texas State Teachers College and received her Masters from Prairie View A&M in 1974. District Superintendent John O. Rogers persuaded Margaret to start working as a teacher in the Hoxie School after just 2 years of college. She continued her education during the Summer months and worked full time teaching until she completed her degree. Hoxie consolidated with Thrall so she started her 40 year career with Thrall ISD. She started as a 2nd grade teacher and taught wherever was needed. She taught 1st grade, 4-6th grade English, elementary PE and coached Girls’ Basketball for the Junior High. She ended her teaching career back where she began in 2nd grade as she retired in May, 1993.
Margaret was a Charter member of the Thrall Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary serving in various capacities until her death. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma for the past 44 years and has served on the Thrall Homecoming Committee for the past 34 years.
Her unwavering faith in the Lord was reflected by her love and devotion to the Thrall Methodist Church of which she belonged since birth. She served in many roles both within the church and the conference. She and her sister, Marie, were instrumental in the creation of the Methodist Fellowship Hall.
She married Charles Eugene (Gene) Olson on February 10, 1950 at Thrall Methodist Church. He preceded her in death in May of 1998. Margaret was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Tommy Starnes, Jr., Bobby Wilson Starnes, Jesse George Starnes; granddaughter, Megan Elizabeth Olson; beloved uncle, Robert Wilson “Doc” Smith and nephew, Max Keith Whitley.
Margaret is survived by son, Kent Olson (Robin) of Austin, daughter, Linnea (John) Smith of Commerce, grandchildren Wade Olson, Ethan Olson, Shane Kubacak, Morgan Sims, Kendra Lawson and Kyle Smith. Great grandchildren, Waylon Olson, Brianna Brennon, Jackson Kubacak, Maliyah Sims, Traison Sims, Andrew Lawson, Sydnee Smith and great granddaughter Charlie Smith. She is also survived by her sister, Marie Light Wernecke, sister-in-law, Jackie Olson Whitley, nieces Lynda Light Coates, Denise Light Rizzotto, Taryn Whitley Perkins and special cousins David Smith and Renee Fawcett-Dunbar.
Pallbearers are Jim Jirasek, James Marek, Jack Jordan, Donald Pick, Billy Carlson and Edwin Marek. Honorary pallbearers are Ed Griffith, Eddie Griffith, Brad Shaver and the Thrall Volunteer Fire Department.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, December 7. Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Saturday, December 8 at Condra Funeral Home in Taylor followed by burial at Taylor City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Thrall Methodist Church or Thrall Volunteer Fire Department.
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