Marjorie LaVois McCandless

"Margie/Mamoi" was the type of person you couldn't help but fall in love with. She was a kind, gentle, and loving soul. A tender, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother we all cherished and whose absence in our lives will leave a gaping void. Her story began on April 25, 1928, the youngest daughter of Lee and Katie Powell. She grew up on the old homestead in Baylor County, Texas until moving to Lubbock, Texas. It was there that she met the love of her life, Henry A. McCandless. Their lives were joined in holy matrimony on May 27, 1950. Their union produced three children: Debra, Bryan, and Melanie. Her calling was to teach. When her youngest started school, she enrolled at the University of Tulsa. She graduated Suma cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Her teaching career began at Wheaton Elementary School in Wheaton, Illinois where she taught First and Fourth grades. Upon retirement she and Henry moved to Sand Springs, OK. Margie was an officer and active member of the Sand Springs Pilot Club as well as active in many community affairs and volunteer work with children. In 2013, they made the move to Decatur, AL. Throughout her life, she wrote poetry to honor her loved ones and friends on birthdays, special milestones, and times of loss. Many have been the recipient of her lovingly penned words. A Mother's Love When the tiny baby is placed in her arms The mother looks down at their face, She examines the fingers, the ears and the toes, To make sure everything is in place. This baby she'll nourish as the years pass The child's needs head the top of her list, Each night he/she is tucked safe and sound in their bed When the top of their head has been kissed. For the time will soon come when the trials of life Can't be cured by a kiss and a smile, But the love of a mother forever prevails With her child she will walk the last mile. She shares all the joys, the blessings and woes This child's hopes and ambitions are hers, Each win--each defeat--strikes a chord of response As the love within her breast stirs. Her patience is tested - her wisdom is proved, Her endurance is tempered like steel, She must chastise with firmness and set forth the rules But regardless, her love you can feel. Though many have tried, it cannot be matched This love between mother and child, Until that proud day the child gives her a gift And she holds in her arms -- a grandchild! Marjorie LaVois McCandless Mother's Day 1984 She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Henry A. McCandless, her beloved grandson, Michael Henry Luchtefeld; her parents, Lee and Katie Eavenson Powell; five brothers, Bob, Sid, Whitt, "Buddy", and Jack Waymon; and four sisters, Rene Hogan, Jeffie Smith, Helen James, and Clella Powell. She is survived by her three children, Debra A. "Debi" Baker of Belmont, NC, Bryan L. McCandless (Mary) of Crystal Lake, IL, and Melanie L. Luchtefeld (Stephen) of Decatur, AL; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Carriker, Katie Stafford, Deborah Blee, Katherine Macera, Kristyn McCandless, and Brittany Luchtefeld; nine great-grandchildren; and Landynn, her "Little Bucko." In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to any of the following: JDRF, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or Shriner's Hospitals for Children. Rest peacefully, Mamoi. We love you and will forever miss you until we unite again.

Marjorie LaVois McCandless

April 25, 1928 - December 16, 2018