Margaret Jean McAlpin Surles

MARGARET JEAN MCALPIN SURLES, 84 – Prattville, AL After an extended illness, Margaret Jean McAlpin Surles crossed over to be with her Creator on April 12, 2018 surrounded by friends and family in the comfort of her Prattville home. She was born in north Autauga County, AL on March 27, 1933 and is the daughter of the late Robert Ivey McAlpin and Josephine Ellen McAlpin, of Posey Crossroads, AL. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, David Lee Surles, as well as two sisters and four brothers: Opal Thorn, Thelma Frances McAlpin, Olan McAlpin, Thomas McAlpin, James McAlpin and Robert McAlpin. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Ann Surles Cooper of Montgomery, AL and two spoiled grand cats, Bobbie Sue and Bubba Wayne, as well as sisters, Sara Taylor of Mobile, AL and Jean Seale of Prattville, AL. Mrs. Surles’ extended surviving family includes many wonderful nieces and nephews: Sara Louise Talbott of Louisville, TN, Georgia Lucille Davis (Juan) of Mobile, AL, Joy Tremmel (Phillip) of Prattville, AL, Jo Vick (Tommy) of Linden, AL, Rita Morrison (Lee) of Prattville, AL, Anita St. John (Joe) of Prattville, AL, Eileen Lawrence (Larry) of Prattville, AL, Bob Milton of Marbury, AL, Karen Wilson (Doug) of Pensacola, FL, and Kevin Surles (Susan) of Prattville, AL. Margaret Jean McAlpin began her career at Continental Gin Company in 1951 as a high school senior. There she met the love of her life, David Surles. The two were married on May 2, 1953. Ten months and a week later their daughter, Ann was born. Mrs. Surles then became a working mother, devoted to her family, as well her career. She later joined the team at Union Camp, a major employer in the area, now known as International Paper. Mrs. Surles worked for many plant managers through the years and became part of the paper mill family quickly, making many lifelong friends. She celebrated nearly forty years at Union Camp before her retirement. During their retirement years, she and David spent many happy times meeting up with friends and square dancing around the country. They soon began their exploration of America in an RV and it was the beginning of many happy memories for the two of them until David’s passing in 1998. Mrs. Surles then dedicated her time to travel with friends to faraway places, as well as community voluntarism. She and her faithful friend, Minnie “Pete” Moore, journeyed the world over for a period of years and enjoyed many cruises together. A committed community servant, Mrs. Surles volunteered hundreds of hours for the preservation of records from the Daniel Pratt Gin Project with the Autauga County Heritage Association, and was a founding member of the Atagi Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Her inspiration for DAR came early in life when she was named “Good Citizenship Girl” as a high school senior at Marbury High School in 1951. At her passing, Mrs. Surles was active in the Estudie Club of Prattville, as well as the Ruth Era Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church, Prattville. An avid gardener and flower lover, Mrs. Surles received her Master Gardener’s Certificate and became involved in community gardening efforts. Her interest in the wellbeing of Union Camp retirees continued as she stayed involved in helping host the Retiree’s Breakfast events each month, where she always looked forward to seeing her many former work place friends and associates. Mrs. Surles will be missed by so many who loved her. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a favorite charity of your choice or even better, become a volunteer. Help make a difference in your community. That would be a fitting legacy to this selfless wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece and friend. The Celebration of Life Service for Margaret Jean McAlpin Surles will be officiated at First Baptist Church Prattville by Dr. Travis Coleman, Jr, Pastor. The family will receive friends 12:30 p.m. till 1:45 p.m. before the service is set to begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 16,2018. The church is located at 138 South Washington Street, Prattville, AL 36067.

Margaret Jean McAlpin Surles

March 27, 1933 - April 12, 2018