Margaret Sebastian Green Oatley

Margaret was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Wife to Donald Herbert Oatley, they were married in 1962 until his death in 2004. Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, she was the second to youngest of 10 children. She attended Ferriday High School, where she graduated in 1956. After high school, she attended Louisiana State University, then transferred to Northeast Louisiana University, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in education. A second-grade teacher, she first taught in Chauvin, Louisiana, and then in Baton Rouge for 27 years. She greatly enjoyed and fondly remembered her many students.

A member of First United Methodist Church, Margaret loved her faith, her church, and lived her life as a beautiful example of Christian love, generosity, and kindness.

Without doubt, her greatest joy was her family, to whom she showed unconditional love, support, and devotion every day of her remarkable life. Margaret is survived by her daughter, Dana Oatley Brown (William Travis “Bill” Brown) and son, Donald Townsend Oatley; grandchildren William Townsend Ortego (Caroline Burks), Benjamin Edward Ortego (Sydney Johnson), Joseph Marshall Harding Ortego (Mazie Ann Martisius), Margaret St. Denis Ortego, Benjamin Collins Brown (Merve Kasap), Hannah Sebastian Oatley, Isabel Rose Oatley, and Lucille Kay Oatley; great-grandchildren: William Hillsman Ortego, Lillian Louise Ortego, and Samuel Grant Ortego; and many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Lamar Green, Sr.; and siblings Ben Lamar Green, Jr., Joseph Harding Green, Martha Louise Green Green, Marion Lowe Green Love, James Roy Green, Jack Frazier Green, Patricia Ruth Green, Charles Murray Green, and Mary Constance Green McDonough.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Bunnie Hill, Dr. Benjamin Brown, caregiver Terri James and her team, Walt & Katherine Green, Kate Varner, Marleigh Savoy, and her cherished friends for their visits, love, and support during the past eight months.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, on Wednesday, June 5. There will be a private family graveside service Wednesday morning, followed by visitation in the FUMC parish hall from 10:30 until 12 and services immediately following in the sanctuary, and finally a reception to celebrate her precious life at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Brown.

“M” will always be remembered for her kindness, warmth, grace, and beauty; she was dearly loved by all who knew her.