Margaret Rose Gallagher

Margaret Rose Brashear Gallagher, 89, of Newnan, Georgia, passed away peacefully February 18 at Wesley Woods of Newnan. She was born October 17, 1935, in Decatur, Illinois to the late Albert Russ Brashear and Margaret Stone Brashear. In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her husband, Charles M. McNeil, Sr. Margaret Rose grew up in Kingsport, TN, with her younger brother Rusty Brashear, with whom she shares a birthday 7 years apart. She graduated high school from St. Catherine's School in Richmond, VA, and went on to attend The University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS. When her sons were 2 and 4 years old, Margaret Rose moved to Kingsport, TN, to be close to her mother. A cradle Episcopalian, she was very active in her church, St. Paul's Kingsport, where she played the organ and accordion and was very involved with the youth program. Wanting more opportunity for her elementary-aged sons, Margaret Rose made the difficult decision to move to Atlanta, GA, as a single mom with two young sons to start a new career with C&S Bank. In her new career, she consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and was not afraid to make the tough decisions. As a result, she steadily worked her way up through the ranks within C&S at a time when career opportunities for women were significantly more limited. By the time she retired early due to health reasons, she was managing one of C&S's top retail banks in the Ansley Mall area. After retirement, she reconnected with and ended up marrying a longtime family friend from Kingsport, Charlie McNeil. She and Charlie were thoroughly enjoying themselves and their well-earned retirements until Charlie's untimely death on Christmas Eve, 2000. Shortly after Charlie's death, Margaret Rose moved to Newnan to be closer to family where she has lived for the last 25 years. She loved being in Newnan and made friends easily as she had a wonderful sense of humor and was an exceptional bridge player. She was much beloved by the residents and staff at Wesley Woods, and she returned that sentiment fully. Her fierce loyalty and dedication to family and friends meant that if you were in her circle, you were in a good place. The celebration of life service for Margaret Rose is Friday, March 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Newnan with the Reverend Richard Winston Arthur officiating. Margaret Rose wished to have her ashes inurned in St. Paul's columbarium. Rather than flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be made to the General Fund at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 576 Roscoe Road, Newnan GA 30263. Condolences can be expressed online at McKoon Funeral Home. Direct survivors include her sons, James Francis Gallagher (Wanita) of Peru, NY, and Michael Edward Gallagher (Lauren) of Newnan, GA, and her brother Albert Rust Brashear (Mary) of Southport, NC and her nephew Andrew Russ Brashear (Diane) of Denver, CO. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her favorite dog, Baxter. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Margaret Rose Gallagher

October 17, 1935 - February 18, 2025