Margaret Baker Lair went home to be with her Lord during the late evening hours of Oct. 19, 2021. In her last days at home in Lubbock, Margaret was surrounded and cared for by her loving and devoted family.
Services will be on Oct. 29, 2021. Burial will be at 10 a.m. in Llano Cemetery, Amarillo, and will be followed by a memorial service at South Georgia Baptist Church, 5209 S. Georgia, Amarillo, at 11 a.m. Arrangements are with Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Amarillo. Margaret was born in Eli, Texas Jan. 22, 1930, to Joseph and Mittie Baker. She graduated from Hedley High School, where she and her sister, Kathryn, sang for many special events. Margaret was also a pretty good basketball player as she often reminded her family. She never thought she was too old to get out on the court. One day after work she stopped by her granddaughters’ house and joined in by shooting baskets in her high heels. A woman should know her limitations! She spent the next weeks in the recliner nursing her sprained foot.
Her daddy was her math teacher, which prepared Margaret for her professional career in banking. Her mama was a constant inspiration and example of God’s grace and love.
Margaret’s love for God and family stood above all else. Family gatherings were full of laughter, game playing, football, and the anticipation of eating her famous cornbread dressing. She loved attending her grand-children’s and greatgrand-children’s sporting and musical events. She at times had a few choice words for the referees!
Margaret’s vocal talent was shared in her church choirs, community musical follies, and at weddings and funerals. She and her first husband, Hershel Swinney, were founding members of Key Heights Baptist Church in Perryton, where Margaret was part of the Keynotes trio. The Keynotes performed in Texas and surrounding states.
Margaret loved playing cards and dominoes with family and friends. She would never admit to cheating, but we all suspected she did!
Margaret was a classy, beautiful woman who kept up with the latest styles. She was always optimistic, loving, and kind, which was a reflection of her inner beauty! Margaret never complained unless she had to miss her weekly hair appointment.
Margaret began her professional career as a secretary for First Baptist Church in Perryton. She started her banking career at the bank in Booker, then spent the next 44 years with Interstate Bank. She was a loan officer before becoming Vice President.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mittie Baker; her first husband of 35 years, Hershel Swinney; sisters, Mildred Pletcher, Colleen Edling, and Kathryn Jones; brothers, Warren J. Baker, and Bobby Joe Baker; great-grandson, Brayden Chase Coverdale; and stepson Phil Lair.
Margaret is survived by her husband of 31 years, James Lair; daughters, Norma Martin (Larry) and Susan Swisher (Sam); stepson, Matt Lair (Karen); grandchildren, Staci Adamson (John), Mitzi Dillman (Rick), Nicki Colbert (Matt), Cari Beth Kinsey (Cody), Jonathan Swisher, and Linzi Diaz (Brendan); 12 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.