Mother Margaret Oneal Ikerd

Mother Margaret Oneal Ikerd, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, at the age of 74. Born January 2, 1950, to loving parents Robert and Willie Ruth Ikerd in Lake Providence, Louisiana, she was the eldest of nine children. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Kansas City, Kansas, where the Ikerd family flourished and continued to grow. In her youth, Margaret attended White Church Elementary, Arrowhead Junior High, and graduated from Washington High School in 1968. Her passion and drive to establish herself began when she temporarily took a job as a secretary for an agency, which soon offered her the opportunity to further her education. She went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UMKC.

In 1985, Margaret began working for UMKC Project Refocus as a placement advisor and an administrative assistant until 2006. Upon her departure, she began a new career at the Full Employment Council as a Career Development Executive where she continued to work until her retirement in 2020. Her dedication to helping others solidified her reputation as an altruistic leader among her family, friends, and colleagues. Through her counseling and guidance towards higher education and sustainable career opportunities, she earned deep admiration and respect in her field. She touched many lives with her selfless acts of kindness. Her proudest moments were the retelling of stories of sending care packages to her great-nephews that were attending college in their own pursuits of higher education.

Margaret’s profound love for God led her to dedicate her life to Christ and live a spirit- filled life until her final calling. Her passion for her family, friends, church and pastor was showered with gifts of love and dedication. Margaret became a faithful member of The Word Church (formally New Horizons Missionary Baptist Church) in 2006 where she served on the Mother Board under the leadership of Bishop T.L Hood. When family and friends called upon her for advice and wisdom, she was adamant in her determination to include the Word of God for guidance. She gifted many with personalized engraved bibles in her dedication for everyone to know God. 

Margaret was a loving sister, aunt, and friend, making her family the center of her life. She took on the mother’s role at an early age and became the matriarch of the Ikerd family. Margaret is preceded in death by her mother, Willie Ruth Ikerd; father, Robert Ikerd, and brother Robert (Bobby) Ikerd. 

She leaves to cherish her memories, four sisters: Barbara Ikerd, Patricia Ikerd, Willie Carnes, Sherlyn Washington (Kevin), and Paula Ferguson; two brothers: Charles Ikerd and George Ikerd (Jackie); all of Kansas City, Kansas. Also left to cherish her memory are her uncle, Esaw Washington (Rosemary); a host of nieces, nephews, and her close friends Olivia Dantzler and Lillie Lane and many other friends.

Margaret Ikerd will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched. May she rest in peace.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday July 20, 2024, visitaton will be from 10A.M. - 11 A.M. with services beginning at 11 A.M. at The Word Church 2720 North 46th st., Kansas City, Kansas 66104.

Internment: Highland Park Cemetery  Kansas City, Kansas