April 5, 1930 – August 20, 2006
Margaret A. Abram, affectionately known as “Mickey,” died at her home Sunday, August 20, at age 76. Originally from South Bend, IN, she was born Margaret Ann Gaines in April 5, 1930. She was the youngest of 12 children born to Mary Ann Gaines and Oscar Raymond Gaines.
Margaret was baptized at Pilgrim Baptist Church. She also attended South Bend public schools.
She relocated to St. Louis, where she gave birth to her first daughter, Priscilla Dianna Edwards. In 1950 she finished her education at Vashon High School. Later in life she met and married Thomas English. She helped manage his dry cleaning store, Carr Square Cleaners. To their union was born Sandra Michelle English and Thomas Eric English. During this time she became a confirmed Lutheran. Her son, Thomas, proceeded her in death.
In 1957 she became a U.S. government civil servant. She served for 30 years with meritorious honors and many promotions until her retirement in 1987. When she retired, she was a high-ranking Inventory Management Specialist for the Army Aviation Systems Command.
After divorcing her first husband of 22 years, Margaret married Orlando Abram. Both husbands proceeded her in death.
There are four surviving siblings: William Carol Gaines and Robert Benjamin Gaines, both of South Bend, IN; and two sisters: Mary Jane Carter and Naomi Miller, who live in St. Louis. She was a grandmother to 4 children and had 6 great-grandchildren.
To mourn and celebrate her passing she leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.
Her memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 6 at 2 p.m. at Austin Layne Renaissance Mortuary, 7302 W. Florissant. There will be a repast to follow at a family home.
Condolences and flowers can be sent to Austin Layne’s. Please send flowers no earlier than the day of the memorial service. Or donations can be made to her favorite charity: Doorways, Inc. (An AIDS Hospice), 4385 Maryland, St. Louis, MO 63108.