Margaret Marie Brummer Willows

Hannibal, MO

JULY 14, 1926 – JUNE 18, 2026

Twenty-six days before her 100th birthday, Margaret Marie Brummer Willows of Hannibal, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord and join her husband, Floyd. She passed away on June 18, 2026, at the home of her daughter, Kathy (Mike) Pickett, on the Osage River in Jefferson City, Missouri. Also present were her daughters, Barbara (Buck) Green of Mexico, Missouri, and Cheryl (Stephen) Yant of Salem, Oregon.

Margaret was born in Hannibal on July 14, 1926, the eldest child of John and Margaret (Schnelle) Brummer. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Bud (Sandy) Brummer and Bobby (Barb) Brummer, and a sister, Cleo Marie (Charlie) Duncan, brother in law, Virgil (Margaret) Willows, and sister in law, Lucille (Wilson) Willows Jones.

Margaret is survived by her sister, Ethel (Charles) Fohey of Hannibal, and a sister-in-law, Betty (Melvin) Turner. Her grandchildren include Sarah Green (Bill) Gleeson, Danton (Dina) Green, Anne Green, Kyler (Tabbitha) Green, Barry (Ellen) Yant, Laura (David) Fender, Caleb (Erin) Yant, Kirk (Rachel) Pickett, Clint (Cheryl) Pickett, and Kari Pickett (Jason) Rode.

Besides her grandchildren, she was dearly loved by her great-grandchildren: Miriam, Declan, and Lucita Gleeson; Emma Webb-Kirkpatrick, Isabel and Arya Green; RC Smith, Jayden Green, Braxtyn Fulton; Braelyn, Landon, Adelyn, and Ava Green; Cole and Kyle Yant; Tre and Jude Fender; Emery, Hadley, and Rowan Yant; Avery Pickett (Ethan) Esry; Claire Pickett; Cody, Luke, Ethan, and Emily Pickett; and Taylor and Madison Rode. “Aunt Margie” was also cherished by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews from both sides of the family.

Early in her life, before and during World War II, Margaret worked at the Hannibal shoe factories stitching boots for soldiers, helped care for her younger siblings, and enjoyed roller skating. It was there at the roller rink that she met the love of her life, Floyd. Together, they built and maintained a beautiful home, gardened and canned produce, worshipped and volunteered at the First Methodist Church, and nurtured their three daughters. A talented seamstress, Margaret lovingly hand-crafted her daughters’ wardrobes, prom dresses, wedding gowns, and swimsuits. As she grew older, she created nearly a thousand personalized, crocheted names-including one for Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright. She often created these masterpieces for completely random strangers who happened to touch her heart. Margaret and Floyd also spent many wonderful weekends at Monkey Run, a camp they built together on the Mississippi River, and later enjoyed many organized trips throughout the United States, including cross country train trips on the Burlington Northern lines.

Devoted to her husband, Margaret spent many years caring for Floyd as his health declined. After contracting COVID-19, she required extra care herself and moved to Teal Lake Assisted Living in Mexico, Missouri. There, she was cared for and loved by a wonderful staff. She truly thrived in the community, playing BINGO, listening to visiting music groups, and socializing with many residents who quickly became close friends. It was also there that she became a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, watching a game just one week before her passing.

A woman of extraordinary beauty, strength, and grace, Margaret overcame many challenges to live a full, unforgettable century. We could continue to add words, but they fall short in describing the fiercely independent, quiet, kind-hearted, gentle strength of the spirit of the woman we call Mom, Gigi, Ja Ja Ja, Granny, Sister, and Friend. Although she will be greatly missed by many, her family is deeply grateful for a long life beautifully lived and filled with so many wonderful experiences.

The family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 11, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Hannibal Academy of Music (First Methodist Church, 901 Broadway, Hannibal, MO) with music and memories. In alignment with her love and compassion for children, if you wish, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family is being served by James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.JamesODonnellFuneralHome.com.