Margaret O'Rena Murphy was born in McAlerter, Oklahoma to the parentage of Samuel L. and Mattie V. Nealy. At a early age, they moved to Dallas, Texas where they joined Greater El Bethel Baptist Church.
She attended N.W. Harlee Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1941.
Margaret worked at Mare Island Navel Base between the years of 1943-1946.
Upon returning to Dallas, she worked for Darvers Children Clothing Store. She also started a models club with "the late Dickie Foster; which was very successful.
In 1951, Margaret went to work for Neiman Marcus and later retired after 37 years of service.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two grandsons; Thurman Johnson, III and Lamont Johnson.
She is survived by a daughter, Aaliyah Dianne Springs (James); two granddaughters, Suhayla Sabir (Wafeeq),& Patrice Horne, numerous great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.