Margaret Love

(From Parker Mortuary)

Margaret Elaine Love, lovingly known as Margaret, Mom Love, “Ant” Elaine, Sis. Love or just Elaine, passed away on June 28, 2026, in Pontiac, Michigan, at the age of 83.

She was born on May 31, 1943, in Baxter Springs, Kansas, to Henry and Fannie (Camp) Burnett. Margaret lived a life marked by faith, devotion, and quiet strength, and she carried those qualities with her throughout every season of her life. She was a loving and faithful woman whose presence brought comfort, encouragement, and warmth to those around her.

After graduating from high school, Margaret went on to earn her bachelor’s degree, a reflection of her determination and commitment to personal growth. She later worked in bookkeeping for a number of years before she became the owner and operator of All Write Bookkeeping Service

Margaret and her family also owned and operated their deli, Loves Deli and Hoagie Shop, where she shared her hard work and caring spirit with the community she served.

Margaret was deeply devoted to her church and to the service of others. She loved helping and working during church functions, and she gave more than sixty years of service through her work and words at Unity Baptist Church of Joplin. Her faith was central to her life, and she lived it in a way that touched many hearts. After moving back to Michigan to be closer to family, she spent the last four years attending services and participating whenever possible at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Michigan. Her Christian faith remained a source of strength and comfort throughout her life.

Margaret was a selfless person who especially loved spending time with her family. She treasured family gatherings and any opportunity to be surrounded by the people she loved. Her kindness, gentle nature, and loving spirit made her a blessing to her family and friends. She was known as a woman who gave freely of herself and who made others feel valued and cared for. Those who knew her will remember her as loving and faith-filled, with a heart that always seemed to put others first.

She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Carr and Eric of Rochester, Michigan; one son, William “Bill” Love of Joplin, Missouri; her sister, Susan Johnson and Bernard of Blue Springs, Missouri; her brother, Ronald Colbert of Maryland; her dear Aunt Ruth Dorsey of Georgia; and her special family friends, Lisa and Eric Colbert. A host of family members and friends also survive and will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Fannie (Camp) Burnett; her loving husband, Jerry “JL” Love Jr.; two sons, Wesley Love and Alfred Story; and her siblings, Karen Thomas and Henry Burnett.

The arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary where the family will received friends on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church located at 409 W 4th ST in Joplin, MO with Darnell Johnson Sr. officiating

Margaret Elaine Love leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. Her life was a beautiful example of devotion to God, commitment to family, and kindness toward others. She will be remembered with deep affection and gratitude by all whose lives she touched.