Margaret Slaughter

Margaret Smith Slaughter was born in Hamilton, Ohio to her parents John and Mary Talbot Smith on January 11, 1925.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John C. Smith (Katherine) and Robert L. Smith (Audrey), and her beloved husband, Claude D. Slaughter.

Her formative years were spent on her family's farm in Camp Hill, Alabama. Her debut as a church soloist took place at Christmas when she was five years old. She sang Away in a Manger at County Line Baptist Church. She would continue throughout her life to sing as both a soloist and choir member. Margaret's love of music led her to study the piano and she played for church choirs, worship services and her Sunday School classes for over 80 years. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class at Camp Hill High School where she sang in the glee club, was a member of the debate team, held lead rolls in theatrical productions, and played for her graduation ceremony.

She attended Massey Business College and worked at both Buffalo Rock and the Birmingham Police Department as a secretary. She married her spouse, Claude Slaughter, on June 6, 1944 and they enjoyed almost 60 years of life together.

Margaret dedicated her adult life to being a wife, mother, and homemaker. She loved fashion and sewing, travel, reading, all musical and theatrical events, hosting family holidays, and singing or playing for her church. She tried to shower every family member with love and special gifts. Her radiant smile, gentle touch, kind manner and sweet spirit defined her nature. Her faith in Jesus Christ was deep and openly expressed. She loved the Lord and used her musical talents to serve him throughout her long life of 99 years. She attended plays, band concerts, graduations and events of her children and grandchildren and was always proud of each family members' accomplishments and celebrations. She loved to fix a meal for every person on their birthday and let each decide the menu. She spoke often with gratitude for the Lord's blessings in her life. She became a member of 76th Street Presbyterian Church in 1944, and joined South Highland Presbyterian in 2013. Her legacy of love and appreciation of music is now evident in the next two generations with band members, choir singers, handbell ringers, pianists and ardent concert attenders.

Margaret is survived by her sons Kenneth Slaughter (Virginia), Roger Slaughter (Grace), Mark Slaughter (Denise) and her daughter Melinda Harden (Gary), her grandchildren: Tommy Alley (Tina), Jennifer Dillishaw (Darren), Richenda Ballard (Kevin), Marlena Giattina (Kevin), Justin Slaughter (Elizabeth), Emily Schuttenberg (Fredric), Meredith Harden (Allison), and Hunter Harden, twelve great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 1:00 pm at South Highland Presbyterian.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Ministry of South Highland Presbyterian Church, 2035 Highland Avenue South , Birmingham, AL 35205 southhighland.org