Margaret G a AlexanderMargaret Gilreece Alexander Alexander, an amateur historian, started writing her memoir at age 88. She wanted to put on paper some of the highlights of her life and to write about her old First Ward neighbors and neighborhood. Born on September 20, 124, to Alberta Wallace and Eulie Lester Gilreece Alexander in Charlotte, NC; she attended Alexander Street Elementary School and is a 1942 graduate of Second Ward High School. Twice crowned May Queen in 1941 and 1942; the 1942 Court is featured in the documentary film A Colored School. Mother Margaret, as she is affectingly called by one and all is a 1946 graduate of North Carolina College for Negroes (now North Carolina Central University); where she was inducted into Alpha Chi Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (1945); a Golden Soror, Alpha Lambda Omega Chapter, and an NCCU Golden Eagle Life Member, she continues to be active in the civic life of her community. She has been active in the religious life of her community since joining Mt. Moriah Primitive Baptist Church at age twelve. In 1952 she became an active member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, serving the church in various capacities over the years. She married the late Kelly M Alexander, Sr., on April 21, 1946, on Easter Sunday in a private ceremony. She has two sons: Rep. Kelly M. Alexander, Jr. and Alfred L. Alexander (wife, Helen A), President of the family business, Alexander Funeral Home, Inc.; three grandsons: Nathanael M. Alexander, Kelly M. Alexander, III, and Desmond Phifer; granddaughter, Cloey Barnes; one great-grandson, Aiden Isaiah Phifer. Margaret has received numerous awards over the years for her tireless civic engagement, including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine (1994). She is a Charter Member & Honorary Past Loyal Lady Ruler, Zack Alexander Assembly #35, Order of the Golden Circle; a Charter Member & Honorary Past Matron, Rosa M. Morris Chapter, No. 650, Order of the Eastern Star. A gleaner branch, the Margaret Alexanderettes, No. 30, O.E. S., was named in her honor. Read More Read Less
