Margaret O. Katzenmeyer, 1925 – 2020

Margaret O. Katzenmeyer passed away on April 7, 2020.

Margaret was born in Cherry Valley, Ark., on Dec. 29, 1925. The family moved to Crenshaw, Miss., when she was a child. She attended school in Crenshaw, followed by employment during World War II in the defense industry. After the war, she traveled the world with her first family. Then, in 1951, she settled in Vicksburg. She was employed by Casino Restaurant from 1951 until 1965, first as a server, then as manager.

She married her husband of 54 years, Hardy A. Katzenmeyer, in 1965.  In 1967, he entered the Army, and she followed as a proactive Army officer’s wife until their retirement in 1986.  During the many Army service years, she studied art in Brunswick, Ga., where she earned an associate degree. While stationed in South Korea, she studied drawing, watercolors and oils for two years under Korean art professors. Upon departure from Korea, she was presented with a letter of appreciation in mission affairs.

While stationed in the Netherlands, she studied art for four years in the Netherlands and in Germany. During this period, she perfected the “Old Masters” technique. She gave many pieces of her work away, but was also very successful in selling her watercolors and oils. Some of the Old Masters pieces sold in an art gallery in Atlanta, Ga., for a handsome sum. When the four-year Netherlands diplomatic tour was completed, she was presented with a letter of commendation from the Ambassador.

Upon her husband’s retirement in 1986, she was presented with a letter of commendation for 20 years’ service as an Army wife. From her retirement home in Natchez she continued her study of watercolors under a Japanese teacher who traveled from Baton Rouge to Natchez to present workshops. She served as vice-president and then president of the Pilot Art Club.  She was an accomplished artist who took great pride in her work. She worshiped as both a Baptist and Roman Catholic.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Hardy A. Katzenmeyer of Vicksburg; four daughters, Nancy L. Katzenmeyer who loved and cared for her as a mother, DeeAnna Peregory of Williamsburg, Va., Janette McElwaney of Brunswick, Ga., and Carolyn V. Bonamassa of Florida; four step-sons, Fred Katzenmeyer, Mike Katzenmeyer, Mark Katzenmeyer and Luke Katzenmeyer, all of Vicksburg; one sister, Lee Kail of Tennessee; one brother, James Williams of Cord, Ark., and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We would like to express sincere appreciation to all Kindred Health Care Service personnel, especially the home health nurses who came to the home. Many thanks to Dr. Lee V. Giffin and his nurse who provided outstanding care over many, many years.