Margaret L. Aikens

Margaret Aikens entered this life on December 7, 1931, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She departed this life, on April 26, 2024, at the age of 92. She was the only child born from the union of Jane Mccoy and Eugene Sebastian. Named after her grandmother, Margaret Mccoy and affectionately known as Maggie or Peg, she grew up in “The Burg” on Edinburgh Place in Mt. Auburn with her mother and grandmother. As a little girl, she would entertain the local patrons at Mt. Auburn Café by dancing, and in return, they would give her nickels as gratitude for her fancy moves! The adage, “He will give you the clothes off his back”, was the embodiment of Margaret’s spirit. On one occasion her childhood friend was weeping because she wanted Margaret’s shoes. Margaret took off the shoes she was wearing, gave them to her friend, and assured her in her sweet voice, “My Mama will buy me some more.”

Margaret spent many Sundays at New Unity Baptist Church with her grandmother (Margaret Mccoy) worshiping the Lord and singing his praises. Margaret’s school years were attended at Taft Elementary and Old Woodward High School. At the tender age of fourteen, she took on the responsibility of caring for her grandmother who had a massive stroke. It was during this time that she would discover her calling. Her cosmic assignment was to be a caregiver. She became a Candy Striper where she honed her Nursing skills. Working as a Nurse aide brought joy and happiness to her life. She touched many people with her undying love for caring for the sick.

Known for her culinary gifts, Margaret would prepare three-course meals for family and friends. Her love for cooking encouraged her to open a restaurant in a private club in Avondale in 1963. Margaret was known for her delicious food and people would line up to get a hot bowl of her savory Chili.

In 1978 she married her longtime partner and love, Ronald Aikens. They shared a life together for 33 years before his untimely death in 2001.

Margaret’s smile and laughter were contagious. She was wise, witty, and a firecracker! She spoke her mind and did not mince words. She meant what she said, and she said what she meant. However, it was always with love and care. Margaret’s feistiness would be put to good use while working as a Union Steward at Conner Nursing Home in Detroit Michigan during the early 1980s.

Besides her family, serving God and helping the sick were the focal points in her life. Once she became a member of Morning Star Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Calvin A. Harper she joined the Nurses Guild.

While working for Caring Hearts Home Healthcare Agency she took care of some of the most notable members of our community such as the late Mayor Theodore Berry. Margaret also volunteered at Caring Hearts Senior Daycare Center well into her late eighties.

Knowing Margaret was to love her. She was an affectionate, fun, and jovial person. She loved game shows, Westerns, and playing scratch-offs. You might see her at the casino on the slot machine where she was often very lucky! She loved hats. She loved to crochet and would make beautiful blankets and hats. She was a natural comedian; always laughing and telling jokes. Her words of wisdom would soothe the saddest soul, and there was not anything that she wouldn’t do for her family or friends. Margaret would open her home to any of her family or friends who needed refuge. Available emotionally and spiritually any time of the day or night, Margaret spoiled her children with love and unwavering support.

Margaret leaves to cherish her memory her only son, Brent, and her two Granddaughters, LaToshia and Masharika, and a host of extended family and friends. Mama, and Grandma, we miss you and we love you eternally. Until we see you again; let the circle be unbroken.

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