Margie Nell Atwood

Margie Nell Day Atwood, 88, of Hewitt, a devoted teacher, counselor, and woman of deep faith, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, at Antioch Community Church, 505 N. 20th Street in Waco, with Rev. Jimmy Seibert officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 6, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Boulevard.

Margie was born on March 4, 1938, in Crosbyton, Texas, to Jack C. Day and Sarah “June” Squyers Day. Her family later moved to Central Texas, where she began elementary school in Lavida, Texas. She graduated from Temple High School in 1955.

On December 20, 1953, she married Darrell Lee Atwood of Temple, Texas, and together they made their home in Waco for most of their married life. Margie graduated from Baylor University in 1968 and began her teaching career at Parkdale Elementary School in Waco.

Margie retired from public school teaching in 1982. She was a devoted reader of Scripture and was known for her compassion, wisdom, and deep care for others. She invested her life in encouraging and counseling those around her, offering steady guidance, faith, and support. Those who knew her remember her as a gentle and faithful presence; someone who listened deeply, spoke with wisdom, and made others feel seen and valued.

She was an active member of Antioch Community Church, where she was deeply involved in Antioch Missions International and taught on identity and faith through the church’s discipleship training school. Alongside her husband, she served in pastoral care, supporting missionaries in the field and traveling to more than forty countries across five continents. She served on the advisory board of Antioch Ministries International for 25 years and, together with her husband, on the advisory board of Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for 25 years.

Margie served for many years as a counselor at the Highland Baptist Church Counseling Center, established in the early 1990s. She was a Bible teacher at Highland Baptist Church and, through Antioch Missions International, taught in Waco and around the world for more than forty years. One of her cherished life projects was the publication of her book of 55 daily devotionals, Abundant Grace for the Journey, in 2022.

Margie now joins many loved ones who went before her, including her beloved husband, Darrell Lee Atwood (2012); her sister, Lynda Beth Day Hammack (2023); her brothers, John Day (1995) and David Day (2014); her nephews, Eric Day (1988) and Wilson J. Day (2019); her niece, Erika Day (2024); and her parents, Jack C. Day (1997) and Sarah “June” Day (1970).

She is survived by her daughter, Diana Atwood McCutcheon; her grandchildren, Marianna Whiteley Hampton (Coleman Hampton), Jennifer Whiteley, and Michael Whiteley; and her great-grandchild, Evelyn Grace Hampton. She is also survived by her brothers Don Day, Butch Day, Joe Day, and Philip Day, along with many nieces and nephews.

Margie was especially blessed in her final years by the devoted care of Kandy and Wes Reese of Hewitt, dear family friends long considered “aunt and uncle” and part of the family. Kandy tended to her daily during hospice with extraordinary love and unwavering steadiness. Margie was also deeply loved by many spiritual children and dear friends whose lives she touched in lasting and meaningful ways. Her life was marked by a deep and abiding commitment to faith, service, and the care of others, leaving a lasting impact on family, friends, and countless lives around the world. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Pallbearers for the service are Chris Day, Jimmy Hammack, Ken Lorenz, Coleman Hampton, Jeff Abshire, and Dr. Randy Smith.

Honorary Pallbearers are Don Day, Butch Day, Joe Day, Michael Whiteley, Wes Reese, and Dr. William McCunniff.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margie’s name to Antioch Missions International, 505 N. 20th Street, Waco, TX 76707.