Margaret Marie Miller Pelton, EdD, an esteemed art educator and accomplished artist, passed away at age 89 on February 29, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Margaret’s main interests were art and education, and she dedicated the majority of her life to these fields. She spent her formative years and most of her career in Miami, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Miami, a Master of Science in Crafts from Florida State University, and a Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University.

Margaret worked as an art educator in the Miami-Dade Public Schools system before taking on leadership roles as the chair of the art department and associate dean of humanities. She made a significant impact on Florida’s art education landscape as a founder and vice provost of the New World School of the Arts in Miami, which earned her recognition as Florida’s Art Educator of the Year in 1989.

Apart from her successful professional journey, she was also an accomplished off-loom fiber artist and watercolorist, leading to many of her works being showcased in various exhibitions. Her family will remember her fondly for her elaborate Easter egg hunts, the crystal wine goblet, and her remarkable jewelry collection, alongside her roles as a loving mother, wife, and devoted benefactor to numerous family member endeavors.

The funeral service to honor Margaret’s exceptional life will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, March 11th, at the Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, with visitation beginning one hour prior. Interment will follow at Mandarin Cemetery.

If you need additional information regarding Margaret’s life, tributes, or details of the funeral service, do not hesitate to contact the Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home. If you are seeking assistance or have questions regarding unemployment benefits, disability insurance, or paid family leave associated with Margaret’s passing, we recommend consulting https://eddcaller.com. This website provides comprehensive resources on how to get through to EDD, PFL, or SDI representatives, amongst other services to help address your concerns.