Margaret Louise Mclaughlin

Margaret Louise Alexander was born to John Alexander and Virginia Braxton Alexander in Salem, Ohio on June 11, 1936. She was later joined by two brothers, John (Jack) and Charles Alexander. Following her mother's passing and her father's remarriage to Connie Hardy, she gained three additional siblings: Connie, Carl, and Leslie.

Margaret graduated from Salem High School in 1954, where she was active in the French, Math, and Library clubs, as well as the school newspaper and Jr. Red Cross. After graduation, she attended Bowling Green University and then enlisted in the United States Air Force in August 1955. While in the Air Force, she met and married Melton McLaughlin. This union resulted in five children: Michele, Mary, Mynette, Michael, and Martin.

While in the military, Margaret trained on IBM keypunch machines, which facilitated her transition to becoming the first Black keypunch operator for The Mead Corporation in Dayton, Ohio. Margaret lived in several states, including Colorado, Missouri, Texas, and California. While in California, she completed her associate degree in Accounting/Computer Science from Los Angeles City College and held positions with Wilson's House of Suede and the City of Los Angeles. Upon returning to Cleveland, Ohio in July 1990, she held administrative roles before eventually working at University Hospitals supporting doctors of pathology. Following her retirement from University Hospitals, she continued to provide administrative support in roles with East Mt. Zion, the Office of Marcia Fudge, and the Board of Elections. In her spare time, Margaret loved to sew, cook, bake, travel, and participate in community and church activities.

Margaret placed great emphasis on her family and had a hand in raising three of her granddaughters, Margaret, Unique, and Marlena. Known to her great-grandchildren as "Love," she was always there to celebrate every accomplishment and offer an ear and a hug whenever needed.

Margaret accepted Christ at an early age and joined East Mt. Zion in September 1990. Over the years, she participated in several groups and auxiliaries, including the Sanctuary and Women's Choirs, Sunday School and BTU, Home Department, Mission and Circles, Audit Committee, and Ladies Guild. She also completed alterations for the EMZ Drill Team uniforms. She was recognized as an East Mt. Zion Woman of Distinction in 2013 and made herself available for any support needed by her church family. Outside of her church home, she participated in the Cleveland Subdistrict of Baptist Women (assistant recording secretary), National Baptist Sunday School and BTU Congress, Women for Jesus, and the Gospel Music Workshop of America (Cleveland Chapter), including presenting at the Legends' Banquet in 2024. She also participated in the Cleveland Orchestra Annual MLK Choir.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, Michele and Mary, and two brothers, Jack and Leslie. She is survived by two brothers, Charles (Debbie) and Carl; one sister, Connie (William); three children, Mynette, Michael, and Martin; 11 grandchildren, Margaret, Tonisha, Robert, Unique, Marlena, Michael Jr., Precious, Perisha, Sharrod, Michaiya, and Anthony; 18 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.