On Saturday, October 23, 2021, Margaret Lucile Horton, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family in Marshall, Arkansas at the age of 85. She was born on March 6, 1936 in Tomahawk, Arkansas to Leonard Jackson Keeling and Jennie Lucile Stephenson Keeling.

On July 2, 1955 she married Johnie R. “J.R.” Horton and they raised four children, John, Susan, Judy and David.

She attended college at the University of Arkansas where she received her degree in Home Economics and later earned her Master’s Degree from Central Missouri State University. She taught high school Home Economics for more than 40 years in Del Rio, TX, Kansas City, MO and finally, Marshall, AR.

She had a passion for reading, and actually read over 50 books since the beginning of this year alone. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and machine embroidery, and nothing made her happier than to create special things for her family and friends.

Perhaps more than anything else on this earth, she cherished her family – her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She cultivated many friendships over her lifetime and treasured them all.

There was never a challenge that she refused to accept. She was a true fixer, a warrior and the champion of many great causes. Her compassion for others was such an inspiration.

She was an educator and a teacher of so much more than academics, as she led by example and was the epitome of character, dignity and grace. To say that she will be missed is an understatement, as she has benefited more people than could ever be measured with her generous, kind and loving spirit. Having her in our lives was such a monumental blessing and a gift to be for always grateful.

Survivors include her children, John L. Horton and wife Jill of Lakewood, CO, Susan C. Portman and husband Tom of Marshall, Judy M. England of Fort Myers, FL and David T. Horton of Marshall; grandchildren, Jim Horton and wife Jessica of Bentonville, Crystal Shore and partner Randy Herbert of Marshall, Joel Horton of Portland, OR, Jenna Horton of Fort Myers, FL, Justin England of Fort Collins, CO, Jennie Wayman and husband Jeremy of Belton, MO and Gavin Horton of Lakewood, CO; great-grandchildren, Aubrey Hanks and Anthony Shore of Marshall, Zach, Emily and Elizabeth Horton of Bentonville and Jason and Jaylee Wayman of Belton, MO; sister-in-law, Helen Keeling of Little Rock; brother-in-law, Ronald Thomas of St. Joe; sister-in-law, Eva Jo Knittig and husband Tony of Marshall and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Jennie Keeling; loving husband, J.R. Horton who passed away in 2006; and siblings, Leonard Jackson “Jack” Keeling and wife Arlene, Joe Keeling, Amberline LeCompte and husband Jack and Carol Thomas.

Funeral services for her were 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. John Eslinger officiating. Visitation was 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 29, 2021 in the Chapel. Burial was in Bear Creek Cemetery where she was laid to rest beside her husband. Pallbearers were John Horton, David Horton, Jim Horton, Justin England, Randy Herbert and Anthony Shore.