The Life and Legend of Marguerite "Mack" French

Marguerite Bush was born to the late Manuel Bush and Pinkie Golden Bush on August 18, 1916, and was basically raised by her maternal grandmother, Dollie Golden, in rural Okfuskee County, Oklahoma. Marguerite Departed this life on Friday, March 19, 2021, at 104 years of age, being a lifelong resident of Clearview, Oklahoma.

Her Story:

Known as "Mack" to family and friends, she attended school in the Clearview Public School District and demonstrated her scholastic abilities throughout her academic schooling. She competed in and won two All-County Spelling Bee contests.

At an early age, Mack joined the Salt Creek Baptist Church in Clearview and became an avid reader of the Bible. She was known for quoting scripture and her love for gospel music.

On November 1, 1933, Mack married Lawrence H. French and to this union eighteen, yes eighteen, children were born, namely: Vivian Veatrice, Lawrence Earl, Jr., Tommy Ray, Dorothy Mae, Veola Elizabeth, Marian Anderson, Jean Marie, Ruby Ann, Eva June, Mallie Margaret, Dyrl Manuel, Earl Daniel, Jerry Staley, Joel Herbert, Michael David, Mechelle Denise, Stephen Algene, and Sherri Lynn.

Mack's life became dedicated and overjoyed with raising her children. Her abilities learned while working in the sewing room in Clearview paid off in big dividends helping her to keep her kids in clothes. When not at the sewing machine she was playing games with her children. It was like being in a super-sized dollhouse. Mack's goal in life was for her children to have a wonderful and productive life.

In addition to parenting and grandparenting, Mack was active in the community and served on the Clearview Cemetery Board, as well as the Clearview Community Improvement Board. She was also named Clearview Citizen of the Year in 2000.

Mack travelled to many states in the country all by automobile and one of the highlights of her travels was a visit to the White House in Washington, D.C. during President Clinton's administration.

Mack was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother of four generations, auntie, cousin, and friend.

Marguerite "Mack" French was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Sonny Howard; maternal and paternal grandparents; husband, Lawrence H. French; Sons, Tommy Ray French; Lawrence Earl French, Jr.; Michael David French; and Stephen Algene French. Daughters, Dorothy Mae French; Eva June Knight (James, deceased); Ruby Ann Samilton; Vivian Veatrice Anderson (Prescovie, deceased). Brothers, Frank, Floyd and Arthur Bush. Sister, Ruby Bush-Loggins-Alford. As well as several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marguerite "Mack" French is survived by sons; Dyrl Manuel French; Earl Daniel French; Jerry Staley French; Joel Herbert French (Patsy); and son-in-law, Lloyd David Samilton, Sr.   Daugthers; Veola Elizabeth West (Johnny); Marian Anderson Ware (Lyle, deceased); Jean Marie Simmons (Frank); Mallie Margaret Myers (Joel); Mechelle Denise Linden (Felix); Sherri Lynn French and daughter-in-law, Joyce French. Including four generations of grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mack was known for her open door policy and lending an ear to those encountering personal problems. She was one of a kind.

Mack will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services for Marguerite "Mack" French will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 1:00pm at the Clearview Community Center in Clearview, Oklahoma. Dr. Donnie Nero will officiate. Interment will follow at the Davis-French Cemetery under the direction of Williamson-Spradlin Funeral Home.