Mrs. Margie L. McPherson, 77, of Atmore, joined the heavenly choir when she answered the Master’s Call at her residence on Thursday morning, July 23, 2015.

A native of Atmore, Mrs. McPherson was a 1954 graduate of Escambia Training School and then she continued her education at Passaic School of Nursing in New Jersey.

She was retired from the nursing profession and was the first African-American nurse at Greenlawn (now Atmore Community) Hospital. In addition to her nursing degree, she also earned her Divinity Degree from E. L. White
Theological Seminary.

She had a love for children, cooking, and singing. She was the wife of the Late Dr. Van McPherson who served as the pastor of Faith Tabernacle Holiness Church until his death in 2008. She served Faith Tabernacle faithfully until her health failed as she was the First Lady, a Missionary, Choir Director, and attended Sunday School.

In addition to her husband preceding her in death, she is preceded by her parents, Calvin and Dannie McPherson and other family members.

Those left to cherish her life and legacy are her daughter, Vangela Joaquniae (Walter Jr.) Franklin of Atmore; three sons, Kenneth (Mary) McPherson of Brantley, Dr. Gregory McPherson of Atlanta, Ga. and Min. Van (Angelice) McPherson Jr. of Egg Harbor Township, N.J.; one sister, Helen of Atmore; one brother, Willie J, (Glender) Grissett of Atmore; 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, July 31, at 1 p.m. at Faith Tabernacle Holiness Church in Freemanville with her son, Min. Van McPherson Jr., eulogist, and Elder Edgar McCarthy, pastor, officiating.

Retirement of her remains will be next to her husband in Fairview Cemetery. Public viewing will be held Thursday, July 30, from 2 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Her body will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the funeral service with Turner Funeral Chapel, LLC, directing.