Margaret M. Royal

She was born in Columbus, GA on November 24, 1915 to John Duncan McPhail and Tincy Jane Walsh McPhail. Later her family moved to Savannah, GA.

She is survived by two sons, James W Royal, Jr (wife Claudia) and John D Royal, both of St. Simons Island; eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, two step grandchildren, three step great grandchildren and several nieces. She was also was preceded in death by a daughter, Jacqueline O’Dell Royal Childs of Cincinnati, OH.

Margaret Royal inspired her grandchildren and enthralled her great-grandchildren with stories of her many career experiences. She was an airplane mechanic during World War II. Later she held several interesting secretarial positions. First, secretary to the President of Reynolds Aluminum, next secretary to the mayor of Savannah, then secretary to the base commander of Hunter Air Force Base. Later she became a Federal employee with the Department of Labor. Finally she became one of the first female OSHA inspectors in the United States and held this position until her retirement. After retirement, she moved to St. Simons Island to be near her family where she resided until her death.

A Memorial service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, January 7 at 2 PM at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church on St. Simons Island. Margaret was a founding member of this church that began February 14, 1988. She was their oldest member. The Reverend Paul Elbert will officiate the service. Interment will be at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah on January 21st at 2PM. The Reverend Jack Ohsiek will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Lord of Life Lutheran Church of St. Simons Island or to Hospice of the Golden Isles.

The family would like to thank caregivers of Magnolia Manor and Hospice of the Golden Isles for their dedicated service during Margaret’s illness.

Edo Miller Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

www.edomillerandsons.com