Margaret D. Stallings
Margaret Dailey Stallings died on February 9, 2021 of natural causes at her beloved home, where she grew up as a child, raised her own children, and lived for over sixty years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine Igoe Dailey and Dr. James Emerson Dailey, her brother James Dailey, her brother-in-law Samuel Thomson, and her husband of forty-six years Paul Edward Stallings. She is survived by her three children, Patrick Eden Stallings and his wife Karen of Houston, Catherine Stallings Aragon and her husband Erich of Escondido, CA, and Paul Emerson Stallings and his wife Kristen of Houston. Maggie is also survived by her eight grandchildren-Alexandra, Nicholas, Victoria and Sophia Aragon; Jack and Lee Stallings; and Isabel and Harrison Stallings; and by her loving sisters Sandra Thomson, Catherine Dailey, Caroline Dailey Hunt, sister-in-law Melanie Dailey and in-laws Patricia and Jimmie Savage. Maggie’s family would also like to recognize and extend their heartfelt gratitude to Edna Woodard for her sixteen years of devoted service in caring for Maggie and Paul.
Maggie was born on December 30, 1939 in Houston, Texas. She attended St. Anne’s Catholic School and The Kinkaid School, as well as The University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She met her husband Paul at UT, and they were married in 1961. After three years of service in the United States Navy, Paul entered law school, and he and Maggie moved to Austin, Texas. They eventually moved to Houston, where Paul worked at the law firm of Vinson and Elkins for more than 40 years. Throughout her life, Maggie was proud to be a part of the VE family and made several life-long friendships with the lawyers, their spouses and their families.
Maggie was always a generous, caring person who put her children, grandchildren, and family above all things. She devoted many years to her children’s activities, particularly in sports and school. In the 1970’s, Maggie coached girls’ basketball, and worked with the Post Oak Little League in its formative years. She not only assisted POLL with administrative duties, but also coached her son’s little league team to victory when the team manager was unavailable. Many former players and parents credit Coach Maggie with inspiring POLL to have a designated “Mom-coached game” for the Pee Wee division, an enjoyable event still in existence today. Maggie’s other life-long passion was working in her garden and always looking to make things beautiful. Over the years, she planted rose gardens and trees in her cherished Reba Park. She also volunteered many years to landscaping the campus of The Kinkaid School, a place very dear to her heart. She was a founding member of the Kinkaid Book Club, and as a Kinkaid parent, worked tirelessly raising funds at various school activities to go toward teacher bonuses and other worthy causes. Maggie was the matriarch of her extended family. Over the years, she and Paul maintained a vast network of friends and delighted in hosting many gatherings, dinners, and family trips. They always went out of their way to make holiday occasions special to their large family. She was a loving wife, a wonderfully generous mother, a faithful and adoring sister, and true friend to those who knew her well, including those who loved her as a surrogate mom. She counted among her greatest blessings her eight wonderful grandchildren. “Nana,” as she was known, was a constant force in their lives and doted upon them. She delighted in every birthday, sports activity, graduation ceremony, and musical or play in which they took part and attended as many of these events as she could. A family memorial service took place on Saturday, February 13th, and a celebration of Maggie’s life will be held at a later date. The family requests in lieu of customary remembrances, memorial gifts be directed to the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center or a charity of choice.