Margaret Y. Huckaby

Margaret Yvonne Shields was born on December 4, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan to the union of the late Charles C. Shields, Jr. and Mary Elise Jenkins Shields. She declared her faith in Christ as a young child while attending St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church in Detroit, and as an adult, she renewed and sustained her relationship with God. Margaret was united in holy matrimony to the late George G. “Jerry” Huckaby, and to this union two daughters were born, Tanya and Donyala. Educated in the Detroit Public School system, Margaret was as an exceptional student, and double-promoted twice in grade school. She began her career in Telecommunications as a Long-Distance Telephone Operator at Michigan Bell Telephone Company, in the Bethune office. After a few years, she transferred to Information Services in the Cass I – Downtown Detroit office, where she was affectionately called “Huck” by friends and co-workers. Margaret was a dedicated employee and hard-working single parent. After retiring from Michigan Bell, she then worked for a credit reporting agency, while earning her Associate Degree in Applied Science – Information Process Technology. Margaret was intellectual, artistic, loved fashion and the performing arts – particularly music and dance. Her winning personality, beautiful smile, sharp wit, and sociability were attributes people loved about her. She was always talented at cooking and baking, and enjoyed watching cooking competitions for inspiration on making new creations. Her favorite hobbies included listening to music, watching Olympic sporting events and the Lions’ games with family. Margaret was an avid reader and enjoyed all forms of literature, including memoirs and novels. Her creativity also led her to periodically write poetry. She found joy in talking with people, and was well known for checking-in on loved ones, sharing encouragement and inspiration, often uplifting their spirits. She truly valued the close bonds with life-long friends who undoubtably became extended family, starting in her teen years with Delores, Brenda B., the late Wesley Johnson, and her sister-in-law Georgia. And in her twenties with Regina, Beth, Brenda W., Etta, and many others over the years. In September 2000, Margaret and her daughter Tanya moved from Michigan to Virginia, to reside with her daughter, Donyala. Over the past 25 years, the loving bonds with those in Michigan remained consistent. She will be forever remembered as a very proud and loving mother to her daughters, and a devoted, caring sister, aunt and friend. Also preceding her in death were her devoted mother who lovingly raised her – Rosa M. Shields (affectionately known as “Dear”), uncle Vincent A. Shields, and brothers Charles C. “CC” Shields, III and David N. Shields. On January 19, 2026 in Virginia, Margaret transitioned from this life to be with the Lord. She leaves to cherish her unforgettable memory: her daughters, Tanya (Robert) and Donyala; her brother, Alvin (Edwina) Shields and nephews, Yoshwa (Catherine) and Hassan, and great-niece Naomi; her sister-in-law, Rosalyn Shields, and niece, Angela, nephew William, and great-nephew Bryce; nephews David and Ryan Shields; the Huckaby family; her godson Michael Fulton, Jr. and his mother Kimberly McAvoy; and a host of extended family members and close friends.

Margaret Y. Huckaby

December 4, 1950 - January 19, 2026