Margaret Clement

Margaret Marie Burton Clement was born on August 4, 1934, to Thomas and Geneva Burton in Paris, TX. She was the oldest of four children and the only girl.

At the age of nine, Margaret was baptized and became a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church and was a faithful member until she moved to the DFW area. She would visit other churches, but never moved her membership.

Margaret was a graduate of Gibbons High School in Paris, TX, where she was a majorette. After high school, Margaret continued her education by receiving a Bachelor of Administration from Prairie View A&M. She then went on to receive her Master’s Degree from East Texas State University (Texas A&M Commerce).

Margaret was married to the love of her life, Nathan “N.C.” Clement for twenty-eight years until his death. Margaret and Nathan had one beautiful daughter, Sharon. Her first teaching experience was at Roxton High School, where she taught short-hand, typing and was also the girls’ basketball coach from 1960-1963. In 1963, after teaching a short time in high school, she made the decision to teach first grade at T. G. Givens Elementary School in Paris, TX.

At the end of segregation, Margaret started a new grade level at First Ward Elementary School, where she taught fifth grade from 1970-1980.Margaret’s final teaching role was at Aiken Elementary School where she taught fifth grade until she happily retired after 30 years of dedication to her profession in 1990.

After retirement, Margaret would visit nursing homes, the sick at their homes and give money, clothing, shoes and food to people in need, including her friends and family. She was a very giving person. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Le Belles Parisian Social Club, Retired Local Teacher's Association and Retired Texas State Teacher's Association. 

Margaret was a blessing to all that knew her. From working in the family business at Burton’s Barbecue at a young age to teaching school, she was always dedicated with a great work ethic. She was a no-nonsense teacher in the classroom, just ask some of her former students, but was still respected and loved by them.

After having a stroke in September 2016, Margaret moved to the DFW area where she was able to spend lots of quality time with her daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter and many other family members and friends. Margaret was a loving, giving, caring, outgoing mother, grandmother, Gigi, aunt, cousin and friend and was truly loved by all that knew her. She loved her family and friends unconditionally and to know her was to love her.

She enjoyed singing, helping others in need, bossing her brother, word search puzzles, listening to music, watching old TV shows, soap operas, playing the piano and spending time with family and friends. Margaret loved dancing and music lifted her spirits and brought a smile to her face and she had a neck roll that was her signature go to move even was she was no longer able to stand up to dance. Margaret also cooked the best meatloaf and cornbread in town!

Her special names were Maggie, Maggie Sue, Sue, Sue Bell, GiGi, Mama Margaret, Grand Mama, Mama, Aunt Margaret, and Gin-Sue. Margaret always had faith in God through good and bad situations. There will never be another Margaret Clement. She was one tough cookie!

On May 20, 2023, Margaret peacefully transitioned to her Heavenly Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nathan “N.C.” Clement, father, Thomas Burton Sr., mother, Geneva Burton, brothers, Donald and Dwight Burton, half-sister, Elizabeth Walters, sister-in law, Euphemia Tinner, and stepson, Joe Louis Sampson. 

Margaret leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted daughter, Sharon Clement Yates of Arlington, TX, granddaughter, Clayvia Yates-Ford (Ataleo), great granddaughter, Atalia Ford all of Grand Prairie, TX, brother, Thomas Burton Jr. (Betty) of Paris, TX, sister-in-law, Frankie Mae McFadden of Garland, TX, bonus grandchildren, Joe Wallace Jr. (Dion) of Paris, TX, Shalonda Tarver of Mesquite, TX, Mitzie Frazier of Plano, TX, Brittany Booker of New York, NY, and Danisha Garvin (JJ) of Paris, TX, special cousin Ollye Wortham, special friends, Norma Jean Jones, Clarene Montgomery, Pauline Franklin, and Deloris Bridges. Also, a host of other family, friends and former students.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Saturday, May 27, 2023, at New Birth Baptist Church. Bishop S. F. Evans will serve as eulogist. Interment will follow to Restlawn Garden Cemetery under the direction of Maxey Funeral Home.