Magdalyn Edwards Ames, a longtime resident of Theodosia, Missouri, passed away on October 25th at the age of 72.
Maggie was born on June 17th, 1953 in Monetta, South Carolina. She is preceded in death by her parents Lee Edwards and Lillie Rae Niece Edwards. She was the oldest of five children: Lee Jr., Rebecca, Tracy, and Stuart. Maggie is survived by her husband of almost 54 years, Gerald Ames; their three daughters Heather, Tara, and Jennifer; and six grandchildren Hadley, Roman, Abraxas, Zen, Lucretia, and Josiah. Family meant everything to Maggie. She was a devoted mother, loyal wife, caring sister, and being a grandmother was one of her absolute greatest joys in life. She loved fiercely, was self-sacrificing, and always wanted the best for those around her.
Maggie was a graduate of Gainesville High School class of ‘71. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and later a Master’s in Educational Administration at Missouri State University. She could have pursued anything; to the fortune of many, she became an elementary school educator.
Maggie was an educator for 27 years at Lutie, Thornfield, and Gainesville School Districts, holding multiple different positions before retiring as a principal after six years at Belle Elementary School in Maries County. Education wasn’t just a career for Maggie; she had a true passion for learning and teaching others. She once wrote that she had an “uncompromising view that all students can learn, given a positive learning atmosphere that welcomes exploration and enhances student confidence. It is my belief that an educator’s mission is to make school enjoyable and exciting. If students look forward to attending school, they will want to learn. I believe that is what school is all about.” Maggie was often the first one at the school, and the last to leave; but it wasn’t just the curriculum that concerned her, she wanted each student to feel as though they mattered. A Gainesville graduate described Mrs. Ames, saying she “was a kind, intelligent, unassuming and powerful presence, with wisdom.” She devoted herself to others and cared deeply for her students; keeping in touch with many of them over the years.
Someone once said, “A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.” Her family hopes she’ll be remembered as a light to others.
Maggie was a fun spirited soul who loved watermelon and Carolina barbeque, listening to Elvis, sticking her feet in the sand at the beach, road trips, immersing herself in a good book, and she loved the sunshine.
To continue her life’s work of helping children, the family asks you make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or other favorite children’s charity in lieu of flowers. A private family memorial will be held on a later date.
Thank you to those who provided physical and spiritual support during this saddest of times. To our beloved Maggie: enjoy walking in the heavenly sunlight of God’s love.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.
