Margaret Lelloine Waits

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Lelloine Waits, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. Lelloine left us on February 22, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on November 6, 1942, in Greenville, Texas, Lelloine was the beloved daughter of the late Hal and Lelloine Horton and sister to her predeceased brother, Hal "Red" Horton. Lelloine's journey through life was marked by love, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community. She shared 61 wonderful years with her devoted husband, David Waits, whom she married on February 27, 1965, in Greenville. Together, they created a loving home and raised three daughters: Laura, married to David Fogle; Elizabeth, married to Lance Shelton; and their youngest child, Rachel Waits. Lelloine, also known as Grammar, has a legacy that continues through her six grandchildren, Taylor, married to Thomas Joyce; Marti, married to Brady Thompson; Kinsey, married to Dante Oderico; Layton Shelton and Sydni Binford; Landry Shelton; Kristi Fogle and seven great-grandchildren, Tristan, Emery, Elliott, and Finley Joyce; Riley Lelloine and Grayson Thompson and Marlo Odorico who brought immense joy and pride to her life. She also leaves behind Beth Horton Deitrich, a sister-in-love. A proud graduate of Greenville High School, Lelloine pursued higher education at Texas Tech University, earning her Bachelor's degree in 1965. Following her cherished years as a stay-at-home mother, her passion for education led her to complete her Texas teaching certificate in 1982. Lelloine dedicated 22 years teaching history and English to middle-schoolers in the Abernathy, Texas school system. Lelloine's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school classes, organized communion, and decorated the church for countless holidays and events. Her dedication to service was once recognized with the Citizen of the Year Award from the Abernathy Chamber of Commerce. Lelloine was a woman of many talents and interests. She could sew, quilt, paint, cook and master most any task she set her mind to accomplish. Travel was a passion as well. She visited all fifty state capitals and toured many historical places in the city she was visiting. Her hands were never idle, and her heart was always full whether she was reading, holding her beloved dachshund or engaging in friendly competition as the family's notorious game night "cheater." Lelloine's no-nonsense approach to life, combined with her friendly curiosity, made those around her remember her. She was known for her take-charge attitude, presented with a healthy dose of love and kindness. Celebration of Life at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Whaley Methodist Church, located at 701 Rosedale Drive, Gainesville with Visitation Reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to VISTO Food Bank of Gainesville where she and David have delivered backpack meals for children (vistohelps.com donate button) or the Hunt County Bras for the Cause Non-Profit Mobile Mammogram Memorial Fund (b4tchuntcounty.com donate button). The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Texas Oncology - Dr. Kurkul and the nursing staff of NTMC Gainesville, Denton Presbyterian and Family First Care of Gainesville for their wonderful care. Special thanks are extended to the Whaley Methodist Church family for their unwavering support. Lelloine will be remembered for her steadfast love, her enduring legacy of kindness and creativity, and the profound impact she made on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.