Margaret Lois Beery Brasher
Margaret Lois Beery Brasher, age 98 of Jackson, Mississippi, was welcomed into the comforting arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, April 15, 2021 while surrounded by family at her home.
Mrs. Brasher was born to Olin Roscoe and Mary Lois Wyatt Beery on August 14, 1922 in Pala, California. Her parents were school teachers who worked with various American Indian tribes. Her family moved to Schurz, Nevada when she was 8 and to Tucker (Neshoba County), Mississippi when she was 14. She graduated from Philadelphia High School and received an Associate degree in Education from East Central Junior College (ECJC). She was a member of the 4-H Club, Glee Club, Education Club, Y.W.C.A., Morning Watch, Noonday Prayer Service, and Vespers; and soloed with the ECJC orchestra. She met her future husband, James Davis Brasher, at ECJC in 1942.
After graduation, Mrs. Brasher traveled to Washington, D.C. to work with the Signal Corps at the Pentagon for a year. James convinced Margaret to return to Mississippi to marry him. They married in 1944 and welcomed four daughters into their lives. Mrs. Brasher often said that the couple shared “52 years of a very happy marriage.” The family lived in Aberdeen, Philadelphia, and Biloxi, Mississippi; Dallas, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Riverside, California; and, finally, Jackson, Mississippi where Mrs. Brasher resided until her death.
Mrs. Brasher served as a leader and teacher in Blue Birds, Camp Fire Girls, Brownies, Girl Scouts, and Vacation Bible School and Sunday School programs; sang in the church choir; volunteered at hospitals and the Willard F. Bond Home (Madison, MS); and donated dozens of crocheted blankets to Project Linus for children in need. She enjoyed gardening, painting, crafts, singing, reading, camping, travel, and sightseeing, taking her last train trip to Utah right before turning 90. She was a member of the singing group Sweet Adelines and participated in regional competitions through her late 80’s.
The greatest joy in Mrs. Brasher’s life was following Jesus Christ, living her Christian faith, and sharing God’s love with others. During her final peaceful moments, a CD of hymns sung by her mother, Grandma Lois, was playing in the background and included the songs Because He Lives and His Yoke is Easy.
Mrs. Brasher was preceded in death by her father and mother; husband James Davis Brasher; stillborn son Robert Olin Brasher; sister Doris Mae Beery Perry; and brothers Joseph Logan Beery and John Olin Beery.
Mrs. Brasher is survived by daughters Georgianne Boudreaux, Marijo Burkes (Dwight), Sharleen Brasher, and Jeanette Brasher; sister Georgia Irene Beery Parkes; grandchildren Jason Jensen, Michael Milling, Stephen Boudreaux, Bethany Numbers, Misty Malik, Mark Strong, Aaron Strong, Lisa Carter, and Amanda Lessard; great-grandchildren Nathan Strong and Wesley Lessard; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express our deep appreciation for the care that daughter, Jeanette Brasher, provided for both James and Margaret over the past 30 years. The family also thanks Margaret Silas for her compassionate care that she gave during Mrs. Brasher’s final years.
A memorial service will be held at a later date once the family is able to confirm details. Memorials may be made to Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) of Mississippi, Jackson Friends of the Animal Shelter (203 Woodland Green Dr, Brandon, MS 39047), Gateway Rescue Mission, or Stewpot Community Services, all with locations in Jackson, MS.