Margaret was born to Marvin and Ernestine Lee, the first of four children, Cleophus “C.S.,” Dorothy, and Will Augusta “Babs.” When her mother remarried, two more siblings, Lawrence and Marilyn, joined the family. Margaret was proud to say that she named Marilyn.

A college graduate, Margaret had also been a model in her younger years. She enjoyed traveling and went as often as she could. Margaret fell in love and married Alan Gordon, becoming stepmother to Richard and Allison. She spoke fondly of the children and maintained a close relationship with them both. After the divorce, Margaret remained connected and continued to stay in touch with the family.

Margaret later settled in New York City and was proud to have lived on Fifth Avenue across from Central Park. She was one of the first Black residents in the area during the 1960s.

A lover of fashion, Margaret cherished her favorite mink coat and the various furs she acquired over the years. She also loved fine art, and her favorite place to visit was the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Margaret had a passion for fine antiques and vintage jewelry and frequently attended estate sales and auction houses such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips. She was proud to have owned several extravagant oil paintings, Middle Eastern artwork, and fine home furnishings she purchased at auction.

After relocating to California, Margaret worked in a variety of roles. She especially enjoyed her time in the medical field but ultimately retired from the State of California, where she met many lifelong friends. She often traveled to Corti Brothers supermarket, as she loved specialty grocery stores.

Margaret was proud of her razor-sharp memory. She was thoughtful in calling and encouraging family members to stay connected. As the family matriarch, she fostered communication and togetherness, remembering birthdays and anniversaries better than anyone.

She leaves to cherish her memory a sister, Dorothy Griffin of Las Vegas; a brother, Lawrence Lee of Sacramento; two nephews, Ronald (Karen) Griffin of Baja Mar, Mexico, and Michael Long of Maryland; two nieces, Michelle Long of Maryland and Adriane (Kiante) Patterson of Sacramento; and two great-nieces, Daysha Arnold of Sacramento and Annika Miles of Illinois. She is also survived by one great-great niece, Amara Amrose Arnold; a stepdaughter, Allison (Simpson) Turley of Buffalo, New York; a grandson, Simpson G. Turley; a granddaughter, Jessica (John) Jones; and great-grandchildren, Mason and Allie Jones. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Cleophus “C.S.” Lee, Will Augusta “Babs,” and Marilyn; her stepson, Richard; and his wife, Marilyn.

               ~Margaret had a deep love of parks and nature; her final interment will be in Carmel, California.~

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