Margaret Dennis

One of the most gentle spirits I have ever encountered was that of Margaret Dennis, who died Monday at the age of 94. Her husband, the Rev. H.D. Dennis, told her he would build her a castle if she would marry him and he was true to his word. The transformation of Margaret's Grocery has been documented worldwide. I have spent many mornings and afternoons documenting the place and was fortunate to speak and visit with Miss Margaret several times. She will be missed.

These photos of Miss Margaret and the Reverend were taken in October 2006.

Below are some photos of Margaret's Grocery that I shot in July 2009, including some close-up shots of some of the details of the design. It is fascinating to study the place and look at the creativity the reverend used in building the monument to his wife. If you haven't been and you live anywhere even remotely close to Vicksburg, then you are doing yourself a disservice. Call me! I'll take you there!

The Ark of the Covenant

Self-portrait

Miss Margaret's obituary as it appeared in The Vicksburg Post on Tuesday:

Margaret Dennis died Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, at Vicksburg Convalescent Home. She was 94.

Mrs. Dennis was born in Bolton. She was a member of Cool Springs M.B. Church and was a former Sunday school teacher.

She retired as owner/operator of Margaret’s Grocery.

She was preceded in death by her father, the Rev. Joe Martin; her mother, Illinois Harvey; and two brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Herman Dennis of Vicksburg; and a stepdaughter, Cora Dennis Williams of Brooklyn, N.Y.

W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.