Margaret Chatham and her husband Robert at the 2011 CCSCA Thanksgiving Dinner where Margaret was honored for her years of service to Calhoun County Senior Citizens.
Margaret Chatham was born on November 14, 1944 in Morgan City, Louisiana to Martin and Laura Rink DeHart. In July of 1969, she and her husband Robert, who were married in 1965, moved to Seadrift. In 1985, Margaret became Calhoun County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace, a position previously held by her father-in-law Charles Chatham. She served as Justice of the Peace for 14 ½ years.
On April 28, 1987, Margaret was sworn in as Seadrift City Judge and served in that capacity until November 13, 2009. At that time Margaret said, “My retirement as City Judge does not mean I am retiring as a citizen of Seadrift. I plan to volunteer and help as much as I am able.” And that, she did. She continued her involvement in Seadrift Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, and Calhoun County Senior Citizens until her health would no longer permit.
In late 2008, after suffering several physical problems, Margaret was diagnosed with an inherited, incurable liver disease, and in 2011, as family and friends were organizing a fish-fry benefit for her, Margaret remarked, “I did not ask, ‘God, why me?’ My brother died with similar symptoms in 2004, so I’m hoping and praying that my kids and grandkids will be spared.”
Margaret and Robert’s children are: Glenda Gonzales (husband Paul), Michelle Chatham, Charles “Bubba” Chatham, and Robert “Robbie” Chatham. They have seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Margaret’s funeral service was held on January 20 at her church, First Baptist of Seadrift, which overflowed with family and friends, gathered to pay tribute to this dedicated wife, mother, and community servant.
Margaret A.D. Chatham
Margaret Ann DeHart Chatham, 68, of Seadrift passed away January 17, 2013. She was born November 14, 1944 in Morgan City, Louisiana to Martin and Laura Rink DeHart. Margaret was very dedicated to serving her community and Calhoun County. She was retired Seadrift City Judge and Justice of the Peace Calhoun County Precinct #4. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Seadrift, Seadrift Chamber of Commerce, Loins Club and Senior Citizens Center.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Gene Chatham; daughters, Glenda Chatham Gonzales and husband Paul, and Michelle Chatham; sons, Charles “Bubba” Chatham and Robert “Robbie” Chatham; sister, Betty Sons; brothers, Allen DeHart and Martin DeHart, Jr.; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held January 21, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Seadrift with the Rev. Poodle Wittnebert and Rev. Gerry Wiley officiating. Burial followed at the Seadrift Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Carlton Hall, Phillip Stout, Chris Gonzales, Blaine Harvey, Martin DeHart, Corey DeHart and Ricky Carter. Honorary Pallbearers were Jack H. Mayfield, Tad Mayfield, Rayburn Haynie, Tom Chaney, Butch Hodges, Trent Chatham and Tommy Henderson.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at:
www.richardsoncolonial.com
