Margaret Thelma Herndon's Obituary
Margaret Jones Herndon, 93, passed away May 28, 2026, in hospice care. She was born April 28,1933, in Ridgley, TN, to the late Ossie and Altie Jones. Margaret dearly loved her family and friends and never met a stranger. She was a woman of faith, an eternal optimist, a wonderful encourager, protector, and made everyone around her feel special. To know her was a blessing, and she will be greatly missed.
Margaret graduated from Millington High School in 1951 and began working at Western Auto where she met her future husband, Johnny Ray Herndon. They married in 1956 after Johnny was discharged from the Army and had three children. Margaret worked several jobs while raising her children and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Memphis in 1975. Margaret’s passion was teaching elementary school children in Memphis and later in Potts Camp, MS. She was a compassionate teacher and dearly loved the children that she taught through the years. In 1998, she received the Teacher of the Year Award from Potts Camp Elementary School. She served her church by teaching Sunday school and taking care of the nursery during services. She loved reading, watching scary movies, and above all treasured spending time with family and friends.
Margaret is survived by her sons Scott (Natalie) and Mark (Denise), and daughter Jennifer Tufts (David); and grandchildren Austin Herndon (Marissa), Colby (Bethany) Herndon, Daniel (Kayla) Herndon, Joshua (Bri) Herndon, Peyton Tufts, and Chloe Tufts; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnny, of 52 years, who passed away in 2008; her granddaughter, Brandy Nicole Herndon; her sister, Peggy Ingram; and her brother, Jimmy Jones.
A memorial service in Margaret’s honor will be held Friday, June 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM central time, at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38119.
Prior to the service, family and friends are welcome to pay their respects during visitation beginning at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Fund or a charity of your choosing.
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