Margaret Ann Hamby Fairbanks

Margaret Ann Hamby Fairbanks, 72, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026. She was born on March 19, 1953.

Margaret was preceded in death by her first husband of 25 years, E.J. Hamby, and her late husband, Donald Fairbanks; her parents, Ella and Bill Willis; her daughter, Lisa Hitson; her brothers, Walter, Robert, Junior, and Donnie Willis; and her sister, Sharon Powell.

She is survived by her children, Joe (Amber) Hamby, Julian(Misty) Hamby, Cindy (Shane) McCann, and Janice (Marvin) Hitson; as well as her niece and nephew, Mary Brooks and Stephen Powell, whom she lovingly helped raise. She is also survived by her sisters, Cuma "Irene" Mason and Joyce (Terry) Willis. Margaret was a proud grandmother to Moses, Augustine, and Rylan Hamby; Jackie and Jennifer Hitson; and Sebastian, Olivia, Sophia, Nevaeh, Onyx, and Milah McCann, as well as seven great-grandchildren and a very special friend, Cindy Hickman.

As the oldest girl of eight children, Margaret naturally took on a nurturing role and was a motherly figure to many of her siblings, helping care for and guide them through the years. Her caring heart was also evident when she stepped in to help raise her niece and nephew after her sister's accident, loving and supporting them as if they were her own.

Margaret dedicated many years to her work, including 25 years at Shaw Industries, 8 years at Rubbermaid, and 7 years at Jackson Manufacturing. Margaret was a Christian and, until her illness, attended Abundant Life Church. She enjoyed thrifting, yard sales, family gatherings, trips to Cherokee, North Carolina, and a good prank or joke. She was very funny and loved to laugh. Margaret loved visiting with others, chatting, and keeping up with the latest news-especially if it involved a little friendly gossip. She never met a stranger and had a way of making people feel welcome. One of Margaret's greatest joys in life was being a Mammaw. She adored her grandchildren and cherished the time she spent with them, sharing laughter, stories, and love.

A visitation will be held at the original chapel of Companion Funeral Home in Cleveland on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with the funeral service beginning at 3:00 PM with Shane Mccann officiating. Burial will follow at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at Standifer Place, especially Robin Norris, Samantha McCann, Jodie, the physical therapy staff, and the many others who provided compassionate care and support.

"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people." - Hebrews 6:10

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40

Though she will be deeply missed, the love, laughter, and memories she shared will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace in heaven, reunited with loved ones who went before her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord." - Matthew 25:23
She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.