Margaret Marie Britt Spivey was born on May 10, 1936, in Tyner, North Carolina, to Sarah Elliott Britt and Roosevelt Britt, Sr. She was one of seven children born to their union. She was preceded in death by her parents; her eldest sister, Armarilyn Britt; and her brothers, Earl Britt and Roosevelt Britt, Jr.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving sister, Mary Britt Hurdle; her devoted brothers, Carl Elliott Britt and George Britt, Sr. (Levora); along with a total of forty-six nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. Margaret believed each and every one of them was special in their own unique way and took great pride in the people they became.
Margaret married Governor E. Spivey of Tyner, North Carolina. From their union, one daughter was born, Carlton Ann Spivey Colley. Ann & Pete Colley Jr. blessed Margaret with two grandchildren, Chelsea Gabrielle Colley and Allison Colley Johnson (Cameron), who brought immense joy and pride to her life. She was also the cherished great-grandmother of Emerie Nova Johnson and Cameron Johnson, Jr.
She was the beloved godmother of DeTrae Baker Washington and Kelvin Walston. Margaret also treasured the friendships and relationships she built throughout the Ingleside community of Norfolk, Virginia, including her dear neighbors and friends Marsha & Leon Jones, Maggie & Levy Walston, Sr., and their children.
Margaret joined Welch’s Chapel Church as a teenager and was baptized in the river in Chowan County, North Carolina. After relocating to Virginia, she became a member of First Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk during the 1960s and later joined New Calvary Baptist Church.
She attended White Oak Elementary School and Edenton Colored High School. Continuing her pursuit of education, she enrolled in classes at Virginia State College – Norfolk Division during 1955 and 1956, now known as Norfolk State University.
In 1955, Margaret moved to Norfolk, Virginia, to seek employment and establish a home for herself and her daughter. Her first job was working as a “soda fountain” girl at a local restaurant. She later became a dental assistant for a dentist in downtown Norfolk, where she met her lifelong best friend, Miss Lou. Their friendship endured for more than sixty years.
Margaret’s next chapter began with People’s Drug Store, where she started as a cashier. Through dedication, consistency, and hard work, she earned promotions into higher positions within the company. After nearly twenty years of service, she retired due to a work-related injury.
Following her recovery, Margaret opened her heart and home to the children in her neighborhood by providing before and after-school childcare. She lovingly referred to them as “her children” and celebrated their accomplishments as if they were her own. She proudly shared when they made the Honor Roll and remained deeply invested in their growth and success. She continued caring for children until mobility issues made it difficult for her to do so.
Margaret was a firm yet loving woman whose strength, wisdom, and work ethic shaped the lives of many around her. She believed education and training were the keys to progress, but that hard work was essential to achieving success. Her life was marked by perseverance, compassion, and unwavering love for her family and community.
On the day Margaret peacefully departed this life, she was listening to the song “Take Me to the King,” and her family finds comfort in believing that is exactly where she has gone.
A service to celebrate Margaret’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at St. John Baptist Church, with a viewing beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
