Publisher Notes: February/March 2019

 

recently lost someone dear to me. A woman who had a profound effect on my life, shaping me – as a woman, a mother and as a journalist in ways that I could have never imagined.

Margaret Quante (Varn) Iliff was my 10th grade high school English teacher. She saw a talent in me and pushed me beyond measure to develop my skills as a writer, never allowing me to quit on an assignment or myself.

A native of Savannah, she was the epitome of a Southern lady, complete with a classic drawl and an open door. And while she was most certainly a lady, one always knew where they stood with her and what her expectations were.

Upon graduating from the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, Margaret moved to Atlanta to become a journalist. She would go on to become an editor for the Atlanta Business Journal before “life” happened. She met a boy, got married, moved to Thomson and had a baby girl, who years later would become one of my closest childhood friends.

When I received a message in December from her daughter, who remains a dear friend, I was devastated. Margaret died peacefully on December 19, her 80th birthday.

I know that no one lives forever here on this Earth, but the passing of some – you’re never quite ready for. To say that her death hit me unbelievably hard is an understatement. So here’s to you – Margaret! Thank you for being a steady hand and guiding light in my life.

Until we meet again,

-Ashlee

 

Article appears in the February/March 2019 issue of Augusta Magazine.

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RSS Augusta Magazine’s Front Porch

  • Episode 11: Jay Jefferies
    Jay Jefferies stops by to deliver the weather and much more!
  • Episode 10 - Nesia Wright
    We had the pleasure of sitting down with Nesia Wright, owner and CEO of the Georgia Soul Basketball Team. Ashlee and Nesia discuss life as the owner of a basketball team, retirement and more.
  • Episode 9: Venus Morris Griffin
    Venus Morris Griffin, one of the top real estate agents in the Augusta area, stops by our front porch to talk about her success and her upcoming book. This episode is sure to set a fire in you to go for your dreams!
  • Episode 8: Michael Romano
    Michael Romano, self-proclaimed carbohydrate king and executive pastry chef for Edgar's Hospitality Group stopped by our front porch to chat with Ashlee.

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