Margie Nell Colston Alexander, age 89, of Demorest, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Born on November 22, 1934, in the Pea Ridge Community of Cornelia, she was a daughter of the late Charlie Roy and Zelma Brewer Colston. She was raised with her four brothers and two sisters in a farmhouse that their dad built with his own hands. During her younger years, she loved playing basketball and had jobs around the farm, including milking the cows and picking cotton. This is where she met and soon married her beloved husband of almost 70 years, Ken.
After they married, they moved to Atlanta, where she began working at a sewing plant. They then lived in Cornelia for a short period before Ken was drafted and stationed in Fort Jackson, South Carolina; that is where Tammie was born. A few years after they returned to Cornelia, Barry was born. Margie started out working in the trampoline business that they opened together and, soon, the Go-Kart business as well. She worked for many years sewing and taking care of the household while Ken was away building the business that became the second largest in the U.S. They were richly blessed in so many ways. She was soon able to enjoy life and slow down.
Her hobbies included cooking, traveling, and spending time in her flower and vegetable gardens. She also loved to shop, particularly at Belk’s and Hamrick’s and had a special love for her clothes.
God gave her a big heart, eyes that could see the best in you, and ears that could hear a pin drop. She was a great mother who loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and church family at Cornelia Christian Church. A smile was always on her face when you walked into the room, or anywhere you saw her. She could often be found feeding those who were sick, either her own family or her church family. Margie also volunteered her time at the local soup kitchen for 14 years.
She lived a good life and made sure to tell people that, but she had struggles along the way that made her tough. One of those struggles was losing the love of her life; she missed him terribly. We will now miss both of them terribly but are reassured in knowing
that she and Ken will be in Heaven with The Lord holding hands once again.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of almost 70 years, Kenneth “Ken” Alexander; brothers and sisters-in-law: Weldon Colston (Betty), Carl Colston, Vernon Colston (Lucille), and Russell Colston (Frances); and sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruth Forrester (Leo) and Ruby Batson (Claude). She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Tammie Troendly (Robert) of Clarkesville; son and daughter-in-law, Barry Alexander (Kay) of Sautee; grandchildren and spouses: Christy Abernathy (Marty), Kenny Wilson (Caprise), Andy Alexander (Amber), and Allyson Hicks (Justin); great-grandchildren: Taylor, Edie, Koen, Deklan, Sawyer, and Walker; sister-in-law, Genevieve Colston of Mt. Airy; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for 12 noon on Friday, July 26, 2024, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart, with Pastor Greg Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the service hour on Friday at the funeral home.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
