On Sunday morning, November 12, 2023, surrounded by loved ones, Margaret Christine Trent Colander gained her wings and joined her husband, the Reverend Archie Colander, Sr., and her son, Michael Ernest Colander, in heaven. She was 98 years old.
Margaret was the second child of eight children born to John Floyd Trent and Josephine Christine Lewis Trent on January 29, 1925, in Rustburg, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her brother Walter Calvin Trent, and sisters Francis Trent, Juanita Martha Trent Stone (Henry), and Allean Beatrice Trent. She leaves to cherish loving memories as siblings Evelyn Gretel Trent (Alfred Woodson -Deceased), John Alfred Trent (Minnie), and Rita Louise Trent. Margaret’s niece Doris held a special place in her heart as well as her nephews Wayne Trent, Stanley Stone (Barbara), William Stone (Martha), and Jeffrey Woodson (Paula), and Alfred Woodson, Jr. (Deceased).
Throughout Margaret’s remarkable life she touched the hearts of everyone she encountered with her kindness, grace, and unwavering faith. She was a pillar of strength to her family and her community, offering guidance, support, and endless love. Her thoughtfulness and selflessness went beyond anything anyone could ever expect or imagine.
Margaret’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband the Rev. Archie Colander, Sr. They shared more than 35 years of love, laughter, and triumphs. As a mother, Margaret was a source of wisdom and unconditional love, creating a home filled with warmth and compassion. Her legacy lives on through her children, Gloria Yvette Twitty (Theophlise -Deceased), Archie Colander, Jr. (Alexis), Michael Colander-Deceased (Loren), and Jacqueline Colander Chavis (Kevin) who will forever be grateful for the values she and Archie instilled into each of them.
Margaret’s role as a grandmother brought her immense happiness. She loved every moment spent with her grandchildren, Crystal Y Twitty, Margaret N Payne (Alvin), Brandi A Colander (Gizachew), Nicholas T Colander (Sophie), Adina S Brazier (Dean), Kimberly R McDew (Derrick-Deceased), Chelsea N Dorsey (Anthony), and Malaika C Karriem (Lauren), creating lasting memories that will be cherished forever. Margaret didn’t hesitate to make the favorite meals of her children and grandchildren. During family gatherings they looked forward to her chicken and dumplings, butterbeans, sweet potato pie, lemon cake, homemade ice cream, and lemonade. While her great grandchildren, Cameron, Caleb, Caiden, Calvin, Carson, Hudson, Candace, Axel and Emery didn’t have as many opportunities to taste her excellent cooking, they will remember her by her nurturing spirit that will continue to guide and inspire future generations.
Her unwavering faith and love for the Lord was exemplified through her dedication and involvement in her church, St Phillip Pentecostal Church for over 75 years. During Margaret’s years of service, she taught Sunday School, was the Clerk of the Church, a Missionary, and President of the Pastor’s Aide. She could be counted on to do whatever was necessary to make sure the church’s needs were always met. As true servants of our King, church members faithfully made sure “Sister Colander” knew she was loved and appreciated.
Margaret was a woman of many talents and interests. She was a devoted member of the Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows of Suffolk, VA, The Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and was active in her community through her civic league. Her dedication and hard work were evident in everything she pursued, leaving a lasting mark on the lives she touched.
Her generosity, compassion, and willingness to lend a helping hand endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her impact on the lives of those around her will be remembered with gratitude and fondness. She leaves to treasure her love for lighthouses of more than 100. Her love of these will be shared with others.
Margaret would often say, “If I can help someone along the way, then my living won’t be in vain.” She is deeply missed but her legacy lives on. We know her soul rests in eternal peace, and her memory continues to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear,” – Author unknown
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Patricia L. Richards-Spruill and John A. Spruill says
November 15, 2023 at 2:28 pmOur thoughts and prayers are with the family of a beautiful woman (inside and out). We are so sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
Love,
John and Lynn (Richards) Spruill
Denise Walston says
November 15, 2023 at 9:48 pmJackie and family, my heart breaks for the loss of your mother. She had such a warm, gentle, and welcoming spirit. I loved being in her presence and will forever feel blessed that she was apart of my life. Love you all.
Sandra Carney says
November 17, 2023 at 11:47 amDear Archie, Alexis, and the entire Colander family, Sending love , prayers, comfort , and support.
Deepest sympathy,
Sandra Carney & family
Judith Walston Henderson says
November 16, 2023 at 9:07 amTo Archie and Alexis and Family I send to you my heartfelt condolences. May the Lord comfort you during this most difficult journey. May you feel his arms around you to ease your sorrow. Peace be upon you and yours.
Sibyl Seth says
November 16, 2023 at 9:11 amKnow that God will give you strength through your beautiful memories. Sending all our love to the entire Colander family! Amit, Sibyl and Pyar Seth
Kathy Lewis says
November 16, 2023 at 10:05 amMrs. Chavis: I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. Lots of prayers and sympathy at this time.
Australia McClenny Bolling says
November 16, 2023 at 11:28 amMy condolences goes out to the family. Your mom was a very kind and loving person. May God give you all strength during this season of your lives.
Karen Chalmers says
November 16, 2023 at 11:33 amOur Deepest Condolences🙏🏼
Mom, Glenn, James & Karen
Tyrees & Esther Jones (metro Atlanta GA ) says
November 16, 2023 at 6:46 pmA mighty fine, great woman of God..rest in peace.
Marcus & Betty Beslin says
November 16, 2023 at 7:06 pmFamily, Grandma Margaret was a true blessing and guiding ‘North Star’ for all that were fortunate to meet and know her. Thank you for the opportunities to share that love. Our heartfelt condolences and healing prayers are with you always. Love, The Beslin Family
PATRICIA A BLACKMORE says
November 17, 2023 at 9:04 amOh, I want to see him to look upon his face. There to sing forever of his saving grace on the streets of glory let me lift my voice I’m home alas ever to rejoice. To the family of my dear Missionary sister, I send my condolence to her entire family. I would always ask some of her Church members at St. Phillips Holiness how she was doing I thank God for knowing a great Woman of God like Missionary Margaret Colander she always had a beautiful smile rest in peace my dear sister. Missionary Patricia Blackmore–from First Pentecostal Church of Christ Holiness.
Carolyn Thompson says
November 17, 2023 at 10:40 amSincerest Condolences to my dear cousins. Aunt Margaret will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. So sorry that I was not able to be there for Aunt Margaret’s homegoing service. Continual prayers for you all during this time of mourning.
May GOD’s strength carry you and HIS peace comfort you through this time.
Much Love Always.
Carolyn Thompson
Rita Trent says
November 17, 2023 at 11:05 amI know my sister is in Heaven with her Father Jesus Christ
Jillian Scott says
November 17, 2023 at 11:26 amPrayers for the family during the passing of Sis. Margaret who was such a sweet JEWEL and will be truly missed at St. Phillip. To know her was a blessing and to now know she is Resting with GOD is a comfort.
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