Margaret Putnam

Margaret Bearden Putnam of Moreland, GA went to her heavenly home on January 3, 2017. She was 78 years old. Margaret was born in Calhoun, GA on October 20, 1938 to Harley and Lula Mae (Greeson) Bearden. She was pre-deceased by her parents and her only sibling, her beloved younger brother, Michael, who passed away from cancer at the young age of 35. Margaret was a 1956 graduate of Belwood High School and always enjoyed attending her class reunions. She loved to tell that there were 9 girls (out of 20 students) in her graduating class, and 4 of them were named Margaret. It was a popular name in 1938! Margaret was loved by her friends, and was even awarded the honor of being Miss Gordon County. She went on to graduate from business school. When her children were young, Margaret worked for Georgia Power Company and later enjoyed being a stay-at-home mother. After raising her children, she loved her job as a rural route mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, until a severe ankle injury prompted her retirement because it was difficult to operate vehicle brakes all day. She was even once lauded in the newspaper for possibly saving the life of a postal service customer who she noticed had gotten wedged between a car and a tree in their yard. Margaret took pleasure in writing poetry and was quite talented in many creative endeavors, just as sewing, arts and crafts, tole painting and woodworking. She had her own ceramic shop in the building behind her house for many years and later a woodworking shop. She even designed and drew up the house plans herself for the home she resided in for most of the years of her life. Margaret had a passion for genealogy and volunteered at the local genealogical society several days a week after retirement. She delighted in visiting cemeteries all over the state and researching her ancestors’ lives. She never learned how to swim and was frightened in the water, but nevertheless gave in to her family by putting a pool in the backyard for the kids and their friends to enjoy while growing up. Margaret was a devoted member of Moreland Baptist Church for many years and later at Bexton Road Baptist Church. Margaret is survived by her children, Len Putnam (Lisa), of Moreland, GA, and Cindy Putnam Duke (Tim), of Newnan, GA, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family would like to acknowledge special thanks to Ms. Norma Bennett, who was a wonderful and caring friend to Margaret during her homebound years due to Alzheimer’s disease. A graveside service honoring Margaret will be held at Blackwood Baptist Church in Calhoun, GA at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 14, 2017. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association in Margaret’s honor. Local arrangements are being conducted by Thomas Funeral Home.