Margaret Jane Wright passed away peacefully Jan. 5, 2024, at the age of 80 in Alpharetta, Georgia. January 5 also happens to be the birthday of her late mother.
Margaret was born Feb. 3, 1943, at Crawfordsville, to Jewell William and Myrtle (Todd) Black, the fifth of eight children. She is survived by her children, Kelly (Flick) Tillman of Alpharetta, Georgia; Kurt Flick of Peoria, Arizona; and Kendra (Flick) Cooks and son-in-law Owen Cooks of Lafayette. She was a cherished grandmother to 16 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and aunt to her many nieces and nephews whom she held dear.
Margaret was also a beloved sister to Marilyn Welsh, Rosalie (Bill) Mikesell, Marcia Brewer, Mary (Ed) Hedrick and John (Kathleen) Black. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Phyllis (Black) Gatliff, brother William “Billy” Black and brothers-in-law, Bill Gatliff and Clyde “Sonny” Welsh.
Education played an important role in Margaret’s life. She attended primary and secondary schools in Indiana and graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1961. Margaret further pursued her academic interests and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Indiana Business College.
Throughout her career, Margaret held various positions that showcased her dedication and skills. She worked as a proofreader at RR Donnelley & Sons; served as a library reference team associate in the Lafayette Public Library system; performed secretarial and administrative duties at the Purdue University Police Department, the Conferences Division, and the Chemistry Department; was hired as a customer care coordinator at Del Webb Resorts in Phoenix, Arizona; managed the books for two fast-growing Lafayette small businesses; and contributed secretarial and administrative support as legal secretary for a West Lafayette labor and employment practice law firm.
After relocating to the Atlanta area, Margaret served and retired from her position as an anesthesiology records crew member at Sentinel Healthcare. She had a passion for volunteering and, after retirement, dedicated 3-4 days each week to her church. She also engaged in private coaching sessions at her health club three times a week, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle. In addition, after the age of 70, Margaret challenged herself by participating in five 5K charity runs. She took immense joy in attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, theater performances, and musical performances. She was particularly proud to be a staunch supporter of various sports teams, most significantly the Purdue Boilermakers (Boiler Up!), the Indianapolis Colts, and her newer home team, the Atlanta Braves.
Margaret found solace and a sense of community for over 25 years at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, where she worshipped. She treasured her time with the close-knit Women’s Sunday School group and other church departments and leaders that often requested her assistance throughout the week.
A private family memorial will be held in Indiana to honor Margaret’s life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in honor of Margaret Jane Wright to Tippecanoe
County Public Library Foundation, 627 South Street, Lafayette, IN, 47901, tcpl.lib.in.us.
