Margaret Dixon (Sanders) Smith

               Funeral services will be 1:00 pm, Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Gold Hill Baptist Church in York, SC, with Rev. Keith McCrorey officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens in York, SC.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm prior to the service, during which time the family will entertain open sharing and reflections of Margaret. Services will be live-streamed from Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/WrightFH1914 

A Life of Faith, Service and Inspiration

                Margaret Smith was born in York, South Carolina on August 7, 1939, to the late Estel and Nancy Wilkes Sanders.  The fifth of fifteen children, Margaret was a special child said to be born with the gift of a discerning spirit.  Although she didn’t have children of her own, Margaret was the matriarch of a mighty village that included her family and anyone in her community in need of spiritual empowerment.  She departed this life on March 26, 2024  going home to be with the Lord. 

A Devoted Sister and Tireless Servant

                Margaret's commitment to her faith began at a young age. She joined Gold Hill Baptist Church in York, SC where she sang in the choir and served on the Usher Board.  After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1957, Margaret moved to Washington DC and resided there for over fifty years.  She attended Burdick Vocational School where she earned her practical nursing license.  She worked as a nurse at the Children’s Hospital and VA Hospital in Washington DC.  She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of the District of Columbia.  She worked several years as a Head Start teacher and as a Social Services Representative.  Margaret was also a successful entrepreneur and business owner. She had developed a fondness for unique novelty items which led her to open the Capitol Hill Curiosity Shop. She loved explaining the history and stories behind her assortment of unique treasures and collectibles.

               While living in Washington, she joined Kendall Baptist Church. She dedicated herself to various ministries, from singing in the choir to sharing the gospel in nursing homes and hospitals.  Her passion for service extended beyond her community, leading her on missionary journeys to Guyana in 2003 and Uganda in 2004 and 2005.  While doing her missionary work, Margaret often assisted with medical units and spread the gospel through teaching and singing of hymns.  Margaret credits these amazing journeys across the globe for her spiritual growth and enlightenment.

A Passion for History and Community

                Margaret’s mission work made her particularly fond of African Culture.  She became an avid collector of afro-centric artifacts that represented the black diaspora and experience in Africa, North America and South America. Her home became a museum that was meticulously curated to showcase the rich heritage and contributions of the black race. She possessed a keen eye for uncovering unique gems wherever she went ensuring these stories of resilience and innovation would find a platform and inspire future generations.

In 2007, Margaret married Minister William H. Smith. Together, they returned to York, South Carolina, where they reconnected with Gold Hill Baptist Church and started the Beacon of Light Ministry at the Carolina Gardens Nursing Home. Their ministry brought joy to residents through weekly bible studies, Christmas parties, and heartfelt fellowship. Margaret also enjoyed creating jewelry, singing, leading worship, and knitting hats for those in need. Her home remained a haven for friends and family, filled with delicious meals, warm company, and fun games.

Loving Family and Enduring Friendships

                Margaret was predeceased by many beloved family members, including her sisters, Annie Lee Hollis, Elois Wilson, and Elizabeth Burton; her brothers, Ted Lewis Sanders, Leroy Sanders, Arthur Allen Sanders, and Samuel Sanders.

                She is survived by her devoted husband, Minister William H. Smith, Jr., and her daughter in love, Charlene Smith of District Heights, MD.  Margaret leaves behind a large and loving family to cherish her memory including her siblings: JB Sanders (Gemma) of Washington, DC, Perry Sanders (Josephine) of Oxon Hill, MD, Nancy Faye Love of West Columbia, SC, Richard Palmer Sanders (Rosalind) of New Carrollton, MD, Carl Sanders of York, SC, Janice Thompson of York, SC, Dennis Sanders (Helen) of York, SC and Jocelyn Fair (Johnny) of Gastonia, NC.  She also leaves behind special nieces and nephews, Delois and Eugene Moore, and Diane and Levi Scott, and a nephew whom she raised, Daron Garvin. Cherished friend for over sixty years, Wyscle (Lee) Washington will deeply miss Margaret, as will her other special friends, Larry and Gloria Bellamy, Sandra Foster, Phyllis Ogburn, Ann Pettus, Linda Hughes, Ruth Hughes, and her goddaughter, Karen Hughes.          

                Margaret Dixon Smith leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and inspiration. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Dixon (Sanders) Smith, please visit our floral store.