Margaret Ausley Stalvey

Margaret Brandon Ausley Stalvey was a gracious woman of faith, dedicated to her family, and kind to all. She was born in Tallahassee, Florida on September 14, 1942, and died in Tallahassee, Florida, on October 24, 2024. Margaret was preceded in death by her loving parents, Susan Mitchell and John C. Ausley, Sr., and her brother, John C. Ausley, Jr. She was blessed in her marriage to R. Glenn Stalvey for 29 years. Margaret was the namesake of her maternal grandmother in Thomasville, Georgia. As a fifth generation Tallahasseean, she was surrounded by loving cousins and relatives all her life. Margaret excelled academically and graduated from Leon High School (1960) where she was third in her class, and later from Bryn Mawr College (1964), cum laude, where she majored in history. While in college, Margaret met Robert W. Downie, M.D. whom she married shortly after graduation. They moved to the Panama Canal Zone where they had a baby boy (Bobby) and then to Bolivia, where they had a baby girl (Brandi), before returning to the States to live in Atlanta, Georgia. From Atlanta, Margaret moved to Tallahassee, where she graduated from the Florida State College of Law (1976) and joined the law firm of Ausley & McMullen. Margaret developed an expertise in real estate law and practiced for many years until her retirement in 2009. After raising her children, Margaret married Glenn Stalvey, whom she first met in high school. Together they designed and built a home in Gadsden County, enjoying many years of hosting family and friends at the holidays and other special occasions. Margaret had many loving and devoted friends in Tallahassee and other locations who have remained close to her and have been such a joy to her life. Margaret remained involved with her classmates from the Leon High School Class of 1960 and helped organize and host many enjoyable reunions. She was a lifetime member and supporter of Trinity United Methodist Church. She participated in many other worthy causes during her life academically, socially, and politically, and was especially gratified by her service to the 2008 and 2012 Barack Obama presidential campaigns. She will be long remembered for her gentle kindness and devotion, and will be greatly missed. Margaret is survived by her husband, Robert Glenn Stalvey, her son Robert C. Downie, II (Mary Ellen), and daughter, Brandon Downie Gleason (Matthew), and her stepson Robert G. Stalvey, Jr. (Dana). Margaret is also survived by her grandchildren Chandler Downie; Luke (Katlin), Courtenay, and John Gleason, and great grandchild, Lily Grace Gleason. Also surviving Margaret are her sister, Elizabeth Ausley Gablehouse (Ron), and her nieces, Caroline (Jon) Berryman and Juliet (Brennan) Fogarty, and their children. The family will receive guests for a visitation at Bevis Funeral Home on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A private family graveside service will be held before Margaret’s Celebration of Life, which will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 10:30 am in the sanctuary of Trinity United Methodist Church, Tallahassee, Florida, with a reception immediately following in Moor Hall. The family greatly appreciates the care and support provided by the staff at Brookdale Senior Living, Visiting Angels, Big Bend Hospice, and especially Margaret’s group of lifelong friends who never stopped visiting, bringing comfort and cheer. In lieu of flowers, Margaret suggested a donation be made to an educational institution of your choice. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

Tributes

Margaret Ausley Stalvey

September 14, 1942 - October 24, 2024