(Editor’s Note–Margeret Henagan longtime resident of DeQuincy passed away Thursday, Feb. 11, at the age of 92. She wore many hats to inclue a mayor’s wife, business owner, bank teller, mother, and friend. She was also known as the Betsy Ross of DeQuincy for her repairs to the American Flags that fly over our town.)
Margaret Ruth Smith Henagan was born at home to Claude L and Hazel Cooper Smith on Dec. 16, 1928 on Booger Branch in Fields. Margaret passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 in DeQuincy at the age of 92.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Mayor L.A. (Buddy) Henagan; one son, Gary Eugene (infant); her parents; and her special niece, Bartie Standley.
She is survived by her daughter, Claudia H. Adley and spouse, former Senator Robert Adley of Bossier City.
Margaret’s parents moved from Susanville, Calif. back home to DeQuincy in 1941. Her father was a railroad engineer for the Missouri Pacific Railroad during WWII. Margaret was a freshman at DeQuincy High School where she excelled in extracurricular activities. She was a member of the Homecoming court for three years; honored by her classmates as Most Popular and Best All Around.
After graduation in 1945, she worked for the National Department Store and Hyatt Brothers Department Store. In 1947, she met and married Buddy Henagan. Following her marriage, she worked at the family owned restaurant, Parkway Café and as a bank teller at Calcasieu Marine and First National Bank.
Buddy was elected Mayor of DeQuincy in 1966 and Margaret served as First Lady representing DeQuincy on the Board of the Calcasieu Parish Council of Aged. She was nicknamed “Betsy Ross” of DeQuincy for her constant repairs to the American flags flying over City Hall and the Railroad Museum.
As a member of Eastern Heights Baptist Church, she taught Beginners and Primaries Sunday School Classes, RAs and GAs and chaired the Homecoming and Social Committees. She was past president of the Friendship Social Club, three times Worthy Matron of Adah Chapter Eastern Star, member of the Red Hat Club, Pinochle Club and VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
She was named Woman of the Year by the DeQuincy Chamber of Commerce. She was very proud of her special recipe of cornbread dressing which was passed to her by her mother-in-law, Letha “Ma” Henagan.
Margaret (Maggie) will be remembered by many close friends including Ima and Buggy Stains, Ruth Rushing, Brenda and Preyfus Ware, George Smith; the “Golden Girls,” long time friends, June Alston, Sandra Cardozier and husband Dale.
There was a private, family graveside service at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Masonic Cemetery in DeQuincy. Masks were required and social distancing was observed.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
