Margaret Cordelia Cleveland Chesney was born on August 19, 1933 in Laurens, South Carolina.  She was raised in White Plains, NY by her parents, Frank D. & Cordia Cleveland Watson.  She spent summers in Laurens with her grandparents, Richard and Lulee Cleveland. Margaret was raised with strong Christian values instilled by both her parents and grandparents.

Margaret, affectionately known as "Marge", was educated in the public schools of White Plains, NY.  After graduating from White Plains High School she attended A&T College of North Carolina in Greensboro.  She graduated from A&T on June 4, 1956 with a degree in English and History. While in college she met the love of her life, John Artis Chesney.  They courted for five years, and were united in marriage at Bethel Baptist Church on October 29, 1955.

Marge and John resided and traveled to many states and countries as a result of his decorated military career.  As a military wife, Marge served with the Family Services Programs where she welcomed new families and helped them get acclimated to base life. Upon retiring from the military in 1972 they made Riverside, California their home.  The family joined Second Baptist Church and were very active members.   She was a member of the Cathedral Choir, taught Sunday School and a worked in the church nursery. Her love of children also inspired her to run a day care from her home.  In addition to her childcare business she was an active Avon representative for many years and always enjoyed meeting new people and having conversation.  Marge had many hobbies, that included playing her Auto-Harp for family, friends and church members.

In 1992 Marge and John moved to their planned retirement location in the state of North Carolina. Here in Kernersville they became members of Providence Baptist Church.  Marge was a faithful member of Missionary Circle and the Gospel Choir.  She also volunteered with Senior Services where she would spend intimate time with seniors as their families took care of day to day responsibilities.  She continued to care for children and was an on the spot baby sitter whenever needed.

As her health declined, she was unable to attend church but welcomed visitors and phone calls. She was an elaborate story teller and you could imagine yourself being right there with her as she entertained you with tales of her life experiences.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col. John A. Chesney; her parents, Frank & Cordia Watson; and her cousin, Margaret Fletcher.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Brian Richard Chesney and Denise Iolani Madison; her loving and devoted daughter-in-law, Sheila Carr Chesney; grandchildren, Natasha Johnson, Danee' Chesney, Derrick Michael Chamberlain, Rihanna Chamberlain, Daion Chesney, Imari Madison, Jeremiah Gallant, and Jacob Gallant; seven great-grandchildren; dear friends, Michelle & Trayvass Gallant, Mrs. Janice Bennett, and Minister Steven Ramsey; cousins, John & Tanya Martin and Dorothy Robinson; other relatives, friends and her church family; and she will also be missed by her fur babies, Pepper, Cooper & Austin.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Providence Baptist Church with Minister Keith Vereen officiating.  Interment will follow in Eastlawn Gardens of Memory. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:00pm on Wednesday at the Church.