Margaret Cole Beaird

Margaret Louise Cole Beaird was born September 17, 1917 in Tonkawa, OK to Charles Sebits Cole and Inis Beatrice Yount Cole. She attended the University College Preparatory School for High School and Jr. College in Tonkawa before attending the University of Oklahoma. Margaret graduated from OU in 1939 with a B.A. in History. Married in 1941 Margaret moved to Texas where she worked various civil service positions. She returned to Norman and lived on College Avenue from 1947 until 2011.

She worked for 17 years in the University of Oklahoma Financial Aid Office, retiring in 1979 as the Associate Director. Margaret was known for her strong worth ethic and commitment in helping many students obtain an education. Margaret was an active member of the First Christian Church of Norman and volunteered for 28 years in the church office. She also served as a volunteer at the Norman Regional Hospital Auxiliary for 44 years. While there she served in many capacities including working in the original snack bar, Information Center, and the Accounting Department.

While Margaret enjoyed many memberships and associations in Norman, she credited the Chapter BP of P.E.O. Sisterhood as a very significant part of her life bringing her many close friendships. As an active member for 73 years she held many offices including that of past-President.

A significant part of Margaret’s life involved actives at OU where she participated in the University Women’s Association and volunteered at the OU Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, as well as, attending OU theatre, music programs, art exhibits and sporting events. As an avid bridge player Margaret played in several bridge clubs always enjoying when it was her turn to host her friends at her home. In addition, she loved to travel and made over 45 trips to all parts of the world with her friends.

In 2011 Margaret moved to Arbor House where she received loving and dedicated care from the staff until she passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 27, 2019 at the age of 102.

Margaret is remembered as a strong, resourceful, and loving mother that was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Lexy Jane Cole Callahan. She is survived by her son, Robert D. Beaird and wife Kathy, of The Woodlands, TX; and daughter, Bernita Henderson Chavis, of Houston, TX; Grandchildren Robert D. Beaird Jr. and wife Amy of Prosper, TX; Christopher A. Beaird and wife Michele of San Antonio, TX; Cindy Beaird Bundscho and husband Terry, of The Woodlands, TX; Katherine Henderson Hill and husband Cory of Los Angeles, CA; Matthew F. Henderson and wife April of Spring, TX; and 14 Great-grandchildren, and 4 Great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service for Margaret will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, October 14, 2019 at the First Christian Church, 220 S. Webster Norman, OK. Tribute Memorial Care is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the PEO Sisterhood with checks made to Cottey College and mailed to 1000 W. Austin Blvd., Nevada, MO 64772; the First Christian Church, 220 S. Webster, Norman OK 73069; or the Margaret C. Beaird Endowed Scholarship in The College of Arts and Sciences on-line by credit card at link.ou.edu/beairdscholarship or by mail to the University of Oklahoma Foundation, 100 Timberdale, Norman, OK 73019.