Margarine Street Garnes

Margarine Street Garnes, 80, passed away on August 20, 2025, at Delmar Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing after a long illness. Born on August 20, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Margarine was the eldest daughter of the late Catherine (Green) Houston and the late Reuben Street. She grew up in Detroit and later moved to Alabama, where she was lovingly raised by her grandmother, the late Kinsie Green.

As a teenager, Margarine moved to Albany, New York, where she attended and graduated from Albany High School. She went on to a career in healthcare, serving as a claims specialist at Blue Cross/Blue Shield and later at Express Scripts. 

Margarine’s greatest joy was her family and friends. She was also a woman of many passions. She was an avid reader, loved music, traveling (Hawaii was her favorite), tending to her plants, flowers and vegetable garden. She took pride in her home and it was a sanctuary filled with cherished hanging photos, keepsakes and albums that reflected her devotion to her family and friends. 

She is survived by her two sons, Paul J. Garnes Jr. and Stewart Street Edmondson; her siblings Delores Houston, Janice Braggs, Jacquelyn Street, Reuben (Ran) Street, Tawanna Street-Strauther, Laquanda Street-Effinger; her granddaughters, Shareta and Lanaya Garnes; her great-grandchildren, Jada and Deandre Garnes; her nephew, Sean Houston and cousins Aretha Bryant and Calder Junior; also host of other extended relatives.  She was predeceased by her brother, James W. Houston and Aunt Mattie L. Green. 

Marge or Margie, as she was affectionally called by her close family and friends, had a large, unforgettable personality with an even larger, louder laugh. Those who’ve had the pleasure of hearing it know exactly what I’m talking about.  It was only to match the kindness of her heart. 

The family wanted to give a special thank you for the overwhelming kindness, love, and support shown to Marge during her illness. It was a source of comfort and strength. She was deeply grateful, as were her sons, for the many expressions of compassion and care. Despite her condition, Margarine knew she was truly blessed. She lived with courage, loved deeply, and gave selflessly.

Marge’s impact on the people who knew and loved her cannot be overstated.  She left a lasting and loving impression on all who knew her. She will be sorely missed and never forgotten.  Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

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