Marjorie Locklair Brunson

Marjorie Locklair Brunson passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024. Born on May 11, 1940, in Charlotte, NC, to Marjorie Willard James and Rhiley Sentelle Locklair, Margie perpetually held a twinkle in her eye, a grin on her face, and the perfect quip for any occasion. Her wit was fast as lightning, and puns were her specialty. Her laugh was deeply sincere, and her voice was a gift.

Margie spent her childhood in Charlotte and then Atlanta, where she was a member of the last graduating class of Sacred Heart High School. While studying music at Georgia State University, she also worked as a vocal soloist for weddings and other events.

The oldest of three sisters each born a decade apart, at age 12 she put a badminton racquet in the hand of her 2-year-old sister so she might have a playmate. Margie could beat anyone at any sport — including many unsuspecting golfers — but tennis was her lifelong love. Even just six months ago, she told her sisters she’d love to get back out on the court.

In 1961, soon after she moved with her family to Jacksonville Beach, FL, she met her forever doubles partner. David Brunson’s mother came home from work one evening after meeting Margie’s mother and gave him the address of a 21-year-old singing tennis player he needed to meet. For their first date, Margie suggested bowling. David had bowled a fair amount while in the Navy and felt confident in his skills. She beat him soundly. He was hooked. They were an instant match and married August 29, 1964.

For more than 60 years, Margie and David laughed together, played together, and raised two daughters together. Margie was a lifelong entrepreneur and a natural at sales. Her favorite part of life was her family, and she passed on her creativity and her optimism to both her daughters. She loved listening to choral music, singing in choirs, sweets, I Love Lucy reruns, and a contest of any kind. A mezzo soprano, she was gifted with a remarkable voice and a spectacular laugh. She could find humor in anything and everything, and even in her last days she said, “You’ve got to be able to laugh. It’s so important.” She loved big, and she loved unconditionally.

Margie is survived by her husband, David Brunson; her daughter Katy, son-in-law Doug, and grandsons Wilson and Ellis Alldredge of Ball Ground, GA; her sisters Candy (Frank) Andrasik of Collierville, TN and Kim (Kevin) Fornes of Cumming, GA; her sister-in-law, Beth Meyer of Greenville, SC; and her nieces, nephews, and dear lifelong friends. She is predeceased by her daughter Lee Ann Brunson.

Margie’s family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers at Oaks at Hampton in Cumming, where she spent her final days.

A service to celebrate Margie’s life will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th at Browns Bridge Church in Cumming. In lieu of flowers, her family requests a donation in Margie’s honor to your favorite charity.