Margie Mattox

MARGIE MATTOX, 68, a resident of North Little Rock, Ark. died Thursday, July 2, 2015. She was born Aug. 21, 1946, in Ashdown, Ark., daughter of the late Luther Edwin Dowdy and Dora Lee Cowart Dowdy. Margie was a graduate of Ashdown High school and Ouachita University; where she met her loving husband and soulmate, Bill Mattox. Bill and Margie moved to North Little Rock where they adopted a wonderful, devoted son whom they named Michael William Mattox. Margie began her teaching career at Seventh Street Elementary (Lincoln) in 1968, and loved the kids so much, she did not leave until she retired due to illness in 1998. Margie was an amazing teacher who was compassionate, nurturing, and loving. She made every student feel special and loved. She was also adored by the parents of her students. She did many things to encourage the students who were having difficulty and things to enrich those who were ready to move on. All of her students remembered how much fun it was to jump out of the window on the last day of school in her classroom. The first and second grades presented a program every year that was spectacular and highlighted by her creativity; everyone marveled at the costumes, musical song and choreography. Margie Mattox truly was called to be a teacher, beloved by her students, and was the recipient of Arkansas' teacher of the year award. In addition to being a devoted grandmother to Taylor and Ali, Margie spent much of her retirement helping others. She was constantly surprising the teachers with pet projects and treats. She also spent a great deal of time taking care of Bill's mother, Thelma Mattox Hamilton, at her home and at Fox Ridge. Margie felt great joy in planning activities for the residents of Fox Ridge. The staff grew to depend on her for ideas, games, prizes, bulletin boards, and simple encouragement. Margie enriched the lives of the residents and staff of Fox Ridge, as they did in turn. Margie and Bill attend Park Hill Baptist Church, where they are active and have many friends who care about them. She loved her church, where she served as the second grade children's director for many years. Margie was a devoted witness of Christ and knew that God answers prayers. She always had a great attitude and uplifted everyone around her, in spite of her own pain. This was a defining characteristic of her life, and something that we will cherish always and strive to emulate. Margie was preceded in death by her parents and cousin Jean Cowart Crow. Those left to mourn her are her beloved husband of 47 years Bill Mattox; her brother Roy Dowdy and his wife Judy; her son Michael Mattox and his wife Krissa, her grandchildren who were the light of her life, Taylor Mattox and Ali Mattox, and a host of nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her devoted Lunch Bunch friends, the friends at Fox Ridge, and her special sisters: Sherry Dunn, Wanda Henderson, and Janie Ploszay. Family Visitation will be at Park Hill Baptist from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 8. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, July 9, at Park Hill Baptist Church, in North Little Rock with Luke Flescher officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters or Park Hill Baptist Church. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.