Margaret was born on January 30, 1932 in Cotton Plant, Arkansas to the late Ardell and Cathola Hudson-Smith. She was one of 12 siblings, 5 of which preceded her in death.
Margaret's mother passed at an early age and she assisted in the rearing of her two younger sisters, caring for and nurturing one through adulthood.
Margaret has traveled throughout her life. William Wilkins, her husband of 29 years, served in the United States Air Force. They lived in Chicago, Missouri, Saratoga Springs, NY, and the country of Norway. Margaret later met and married Joe Mallory in Cleveland, OH, a union that lasted 10 years before his passing. They both were members of Calvary Presbyterian Church where they first met.
Margaret's journey of faith began as a new born when she was christened at one month old. Both her mother and maternal grandmother were Presbyterian women. No matter where she was throughout her life she always managed to find and attend a Presbyterian church. Margaret joined Calvary Presbyterian church in 1969 and served as a dedicated member for 44 years. She joined the Women's Guild in 1969 and served as a faithful member in various positions until the end. In 2013 Margaret became a charter member of New Life At Calvary (NLAC), the result of a merger between Glenville New Life Community Church and Calvary.
Margaret received her early education at the Cotton Plant Academy (The Academy) a parochial school founded in the l 880's by the Presbyterian Church, USA. She later attended beauty culture school and became a licensed Cosmetologist furthe1ing her education. Margaret received training as a registered Nurse Aide and worked as an aide at Menorah Park Living Center. She assisted in the creation of and served as the secretary of the National Nurse Assistant Association (NNAA). The organization advocated for and sponsored legislation to protect the rights and benefits for nurse aides and assistants. Retiring after 29 years, Margaret received numerous accommodations and awards over a stellar career.
Margaret loved people and was a true advocate and activist her entire life. In addition to the Birthday Club and the Menorah Park employee retirement groups, Margaret was politically active through The Tenants Council Rainbow Place Apartments. She was serious about voting and assisting others in voting.

Margaret was a surrogate mother for her sister and a grandmother to her sister's children. She leaves to cherish her memories: Sisters, Katheron Earnestine
Palmer (Willie L), Ruby Smith, Joan Miller (Warren), Doris Smith; Brothers, Melvin Smith, Willie Purtiman; Nieces and Nephews, Helen Robinson, Charlotte Lewis, Gillis (Jill) Alexander, Cathola Smith, Cathola Price, Valeria Freeman, Melvin Smith, Steven Smith, Eldridge Price Jr., and a host of great nieces,
nephews and other relatives and friends .