Margot Ramsey's Obituary
Mrs. Margot Dianne O'Dell Ramsey, age 92, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, April 23, 2025. She was born March 7, 1933, in Paragould, Arkansas, daughter of the late William Marshall O'Dell and Marjorie Tansil O'Dell Justice.
Margot was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Guy Rex Ramsey, and her brother, Jerry Tansil O'Dell.
She is survived by her daughters Michelle Charbonnet (Ed) and Rise Maxwell, and her son Michael Ramsey, all of Memphis; grandchildren Clare Charbonnet, Jim Charbonnet (Stephanie), Kate Charbonnet, Adam Nathan and Ben Nathan; great-grandsons Tyler Charbonnet and Simon Charbonnet.
Margot spent much of her childhood in Paragould, where she met and later married her husband, Guy. Both were graduates of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and they eventually settled in Memphis with their family. Margot was a wonderful wife and mother. Adored by Guy and her children for her great sense of humor, warmth, and patience, she was always welcoming to her children's friends as well, and a few even considered her like a second mom.
Margot was an avid reader and had great curiosity about the past. During the 1970s, she was a member of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities (APTA) and worked as a volunteer tour guide at the Fontaine House in historic Victorian Village.
Once her children were grown, she moved with Guy to Los Angeles, CA. Margot often traveled with him when his career in architecture and project management took him to many places across the U.S. and around the world. Her deep appreciation for history and decorative arts was put to good use during the six years she and Guy lived in Indonesia in the 1990s. She volunteered at a museum in Jakarta, cataloging native textiles.
After retiring, Margot and her husband returned to Memphis to be near family. Guy passed away from Alzheimer's in 2007, but Margot found great strength and constant joy through her five grandchildren. She watched and encouraged them with enthusiasm as they participated in all their activities, went off to college, followed their hearts, and grew into amazing young adults.
The family offers its heartfelt gratitude to Vanessa and the rest of the staff at Gallaway Nursing and Rehab. Your kindness and care during Margot's final days meant the world to us. Bless you.
Respecting her wishing following cremation, the family will honor Margot with a private celebration of life this summer. All donations in her memory should be made to the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County or the animal shelter of your choice.
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