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Mary Margaret Abernathy
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Mary Margaret Brorein Abernathy, passed away July 2, 2021, at Southeast Hospital.
She was born Nov. 25, 1918, in Parma, Missouri, to Clara Croft and David C. Brorein.
Mary Margaret graduated from Parma high school. At 16, she enrolled in Central Methodist College where she studied music, playing trumpet in the band, violin in the orchestra and sang soprano in the choir. She was chosen as a member of Phi Beta, National Music Fraternity.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1939, Mary Margaret taught music in Lutesville, Missouri where she married James W. Abernathy June 7, 1941. While Jim served in the Army during WWII, Mary Margaret stayed in Parma with their two girls, Nancy, and Karen. At the end of WWII, the Abernathy family moved to Brorein Acres, now a Century Farm, just west of Sikeston where they worked the farm for 55 years. Mary Margaret taught music at Sikeston Junior High and Benton Elementary.
Mary Margaret was always involved in service to her church and community in Sikeston. At the First Methodist Church she sang in the chancel choir for 50 years and served in several office positions of the United Methodist Women for 50 years. Mary Margaret was active in the Community Concert Series every year and a Girl Scout leader for several years.
In 2000 the Abernathy’s moved to Saxony Village in Cape where Mary Margaret played the piano for various singing groups in the nursing homes. She also participated in sewing projects for overseas missions.
In recent years Mary Margaret moved to the Chateau nursing home due to failing health.
Mary Margaret Abernathy is survived by loving family and friends; two daughters, Nancy Abernathy Haertling and Karen Abernathy Fox; grandchildren, Laura Fox, Greg (Tiffany) Haertling, Brad Haertling, Krista Fox Sharpe; and great -grandchildren, Dru (Jake) Haertling Leet, Kyle Haertling, Kelsey Haertling, and Isabella Fox.
Also surviving are many nieces and nephews and special friends, Don and Janet Estes Jenkins and Terry and Janet Dame.
Preceding Mary Margaret in death were parents Clara and David Brorein, her husband, James W. Abernathy, and her sister Frances Ione Knight.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 11, 2021, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Charles Buck officiating.
Burial will take place Monday, July 12, 2021, at 1 p.m. in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield.
Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.
Memorials may be given to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri Building Fund, 2536 Boutin Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 or to Centenary United Methodist Church, 300 N. Ellis, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.