"My friends are my estate."
--- Emily Dickinson
Defining Margaret Stafford Burch left me in a quandary. Ms. Margaret was family - a distant cousin of mine, Stafford-Brumfield kin. She was also an admired newspaper columnist, having written a column for "The Era-Leader" until early 2011, about the time I began writing. Before that, Ms. Margaret was an esteemed teacher, having taught business at Franklinton High School, her alma mater, for thirty years. And she, of course, was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. But I suppose I remember her most as a dear friend.
Born in March of 1930 to Norman James "Pompey" Stafford and Edna Lindsey Stafford, Margaret was sister to Edna Lou Stafford East, Dr. James Stafford, Jr., and Rev. Larry Stafford. While her birth was in Greensburg, she lived the rest of her life in Franklinton. Margaret was first a member of Fisher United Methodist Church where her family had deep roots. Her great-grandfather was the first pastor following the church's organization. Later, Margaret joined Centenary United Methodist Church where she was a most active member. A graduate of Franklinton High School, she matriculated at Southeastern Louisiana University, graduating with a degree in Business Education before later earning her Master's degree from Louisiana State University.
In 1950 Ms. Margaret returned to FHS where - a beloved teacher - she taught a legion of students educating them in business and life. Though I wasn't lucky enough to be her pupil, I have heard those who were sing her praises.
In 1951 she married Dorman Paul Burch. Together, they made their home on Williams Street in Babington subdivision where they raised their two daughters Brenda and Sandra. All the while, Margaret was active socially and civically in Franklinton where she was a dedicated member of the Waverly Club, serving as president and becoming an associate member. She and Mr. Dorman had the service station in the heart of town -- Burch's Service Station. After his retirement, it later became the business of J. Y. Seal and, after him, son-in-law Tim Haik.
Though I had not seen Ms. Margaret since I visited her lovely home for a story on the Burris family-that of her son-in-law Chip - she was no less a friend. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant explained it best in two lines: "The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity." When my mother nearly died, after what should have been a routine procedure in 2000, I well remember Ms. Margaret sitting with me in the ICU waiting room. She zipped down to Covington with support and prayers.
Before that, my mother and father had been regulars at the Burch home, where Margaret and husband Dorman hosted their much-anticipated crawfish boils and evening gatherings on their beautiful patio. And the two of them joined our family at our home in Mandeville and condo in New Orleans for Mardi Gras and other memorable gatherings. Friendship was something Ms. Margaret fostered.
So, it came as no surprise to me that she was by our side, after my mother and father died in 2011 and 1999, respectively. The date of July 22,1999, is etched into memory. Not only did I lose my dad that day, but our close friends, the Moore family - husband Duke and daughters Kelli and JoJan - suffered lamentable loss. Their beloved wife and mother Marilyn Upchurch Moore, a long-time registered nurse and director of infection control at the Bogalusa Medical Center, passed away the same day as my dad. And close friend Margaret Burch, writing poetry that stirred the soul, penned a beautiful tribute to Ms. Marilyn - a piece that I recently came across in my mother's desk. Like Margaret, Momma adored Marilyn.
It was Henry David Thoreau who said, "The language of friendship is not words but meanings." Ms. Margaret used one to reveal the other. Though it was written in memory of her friend and neighbor Marilyn, it also serves as a tribute to the writer - Ms. Margaret.
"I Will Come to You"
A Tribute to Marilyn
I will come to you in the springtime,
In the early month of May.
When my beautiful rose garden,
Is in its full array.
You will find my gentle presence
With summer's flowing breeze,
You will hear my voice singing,
With robins in the trees.
When fall's leaves begin to turn,
And fall quickly to the ground,
You will feel my nearness
Everywhere, and all around.
In the winter, when Christmas time arrives,
You will remember the songs, the laughter,
The fireside chats, the house so adorned,
The bountiful meals, the visits thereafter.
I will come to you on the Sabbath,
As at the alter you kneel -
You will hear me in the choir,
And you will know that God is real.
I will come to you each day,
When your faith is sorely tried,
God and I will be with you
Always at your side.
Just raise your eyes to heaven,
When you need strength anew
And place your hand in God's
And We Will Come to You!
----- Margaret S. Burch
Passing away in late March of this year, Margaret was survived by her loving family - daughter Brenda Burris (James "Chip") and daughter Sandra Stogner (Chuck); grandchildren Bridget Burris Linn (Judge Vinny Lobello), Candice Fontenot Barber (Matt), Brandi Burris Casanova (Casey), and Carson Fontenot (Rosalie); fourteen great-grandchildren; brother Rev. Larry Stafford (Rita); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
And of course, a substantial estate - of friends.
