Margaret N. Royal

Margaret N. Royal, 92, of Girard, IL formerly of Cahokia and Virden, passed away Friday, February 24, 2017, at her residence. She was born on June 1, 1924, in Newton, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Willis and Virginia (Brantley) Norman. She married Lyle W. Royal on March 6, 1943, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and he preceded her in death on August 16, 2013. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law: Elaine and Robert Harrell of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Cecilia and Douglas Pitchford of Girard, four grandchildren and their spouses: Rebecca and Jeff Caldwell of Little Rock, Arkansas, Cynthia and Brandon Shafer of Edmond, Oklahoma, Erick Pitchford (fiancé Christine Bradley) of Girard, Tyler and Janna Pitchford of East Alton, Illinois, ten great grandchildren: Ethan and Avery Caldwell, Corban, Eliana, Jude, and Gabriella Shafer, Lucas Pitchford, Maddy, Meredith, and Ben Pitchford, and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Norman of Lumberton, Texas. Margaret and Lyle formerly owned and operated Royal Highway Service Station and the Royal Treat in Cahokia. She retired from Cahokia School District #187 where she was a secretary at Cahokia High School. Margaret enjoyed traveling, gardening, and reading. She made her profession of faith in Jesus Christ as a child. She and Lyle were faithful members of Maplewood Park Baptist Church, Cahokia, and then Grace Southern Baptist Church after they moved to Virden. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Katherine Dunagin Steele, Marion Norman, and Sybil Mandle. In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 9am until time of funeral services at 10:30am on Friday, March 3, 2017, at Grace Southern Baptist Church in Virden with Rev. Brandon Shafer officiating. Graveside services will be held at 2:30pm on Friday, March 3, 2017, at Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children.