Obituary of Margaret Louise Solis

Margaret Louise Solis, affectionately known as “Baby Sister”, was born March 2, 1936 in Marshall, Texas. She was one of seven children of David Sr. and Frankie Hawkins. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Texarkana, Arkansas where she was raised. In 1958, Margaret left the small town of Texarkana for big city life in Dallas, Texas where she enrolled in Parkland Hospital’s Nursing School. It was during her time at Parkland that she met Joe Roy Solis, Jr. the man to whom she would be married for 48 years. To that union was born one son, Byron Keith. After receiving her nurses license, Margaret began a career in nursing that would allow her to work at Baylor Hospital and Wadley Blood Bank (later Carter Blood Center) where she was proudly named supervisor. She often spoke of being one of the first black employees and one of the first black supervisors at Wadley Blood Bank. She retired from Carter Blood Center in 2001. During her retirement years, she was dedicated to work at the election polls. She accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age and attended College Hill Baptist Church in Texarkana before moving to Dallas where she attended Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Greater Memorial Missionary Baptist Church and finally, St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church where she was a member for many years. At St. Phillips, Margaret served in many areas, including as the chairman of the Health Ministry, and a member of the Culinary Ministry, Grief Ministry and Women’s Ministry. Margaret was also very active in her community. She volunteered with the Helping Hands Ministry of Words of Faith Missionary Baptist Church as a member of the AIDS Services of Dallas Supper Club and frequently served with that group in other volunteer events. She was an inactive member of the National Council of Negro Women and Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Widowed since 2013, Margaret enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Roy Solis, Jr., her parents; siblings: Lucille Hurd, Tommy Young, Sr., David Hawkins, Jr., and Carrie Mae Hawkins; and several nieces and nephews. She is survived by her son, Byron Keith Solis, and daughter-in-law, Tricia; grandson, Joseph Michael David Solis, and granddaughter-in-law, Blair; and granddaughter, Jennifer Michelle Solis. She is also survived by her brother, Willie Polk Hawkins, Sr.; sister, Helen Collins; devoted nieces, Alecia Hawkins McDowell and Dr. Tonya Solis-Mosby; and a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends.