W.T. Shumake & Daughters

September 28, 1933 - May 13, 2026

Margaret Wasp, age 92, departed this life peacefully on May 13, 2026.

Visitation 10-11am Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Taylortown AME Zion Church 10901 Ballardsville Road. Memorial Service will follow at 11am.

Margaret Wasp was born on September 28, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Luella Owens and Freddis Wynn.

Margaret accepted Christ at an early age and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. She was a longtime member of the AME Church, belonging to Arnett Chapel AME Church and St. Paul AME Church prior to relocating to Louisville, Kentucky, where she found a loving church home at Taylortown AME Zion Church.

A bright and dedicated student, Margaret graduated from DuSable High School as a member of the January Class of 1951 and was honored as a member of the National Honor Society.

On April 7, 1960, she was united in holy matrimony to Willis Wasp, Jr., whose love and companionship shaped her life until his passing in 1977.

Margaret dedicated 42 years of distinguished service to the federal government, beginning in 1953 and retiring in 1995 as a member of the Department of Community Planning and Development's Region 5 Management Team. She was admired for her dedication, intelligence, professionalism, and leadership.

Margaret will be remembered most for her deep love of family. She and her daughter, Deidra, were inseparable. Together, they traveled across the country and abroad, attended concerts, enjoyed movies, explored new restaurants, and created a lifetime of joyful memories.

After Deidra became a mother, Margaret lovingly embraced her role as a second mother to her grandchildren, Jada and Chris. Jada and Chris adored their grandmother and cherished her as one of the most important and loving figures in their lives.

Margaret had a zest for life and loved spending time with those close to her. She also enjoyed the occasional casino trip and appreciated moments of fun, laughter, and excitement. In her later years, after she stopped traveling as much, Margaret and Deidra spent countless hours side by side, watching their favorite television shows and enjoying each other’s company.

She was affectionately known as “Auntie,” “Grannie,” or “Miss Wasp” to many, and she leaves behind close friends and countless people who grew up knowing and loving her, all of whom will forever remember her love, wisdom, warmth, and presence.

Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willis Wasp, Jr.; her parents, Luella Owens and Freddis Wynn; her sister, Cynthia Thompson; and her beloved dog, Chip.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted daughter, Deidra Lynn White (Jonathan); her beloved grandchildren, Jada Lynn Byrd and Christopher Willis Byrd; her brother, Larry Earl Roberts; her bonus son, Kevin Alan Price (Myra); her nephews, Ewell Thompson III (Elois), Keith Ty Roberts, and Marcus O’Neal Roberts (Dennika); her nieces, Nikki Toya Roberts and Crystal Dowling (Steve); her furry companions, Bear, Ricky, and Mickey; and a host of loving relatives and extended family members.

Margaret’s life was a testament to love, devotion, strength, grace, and joy. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.