Margaret Elizabeth Wagner Allen an only daughter, born July 28, 1932, in Kelly's Chapel area of Washington Co., VA, to the late Ward Lincoln and Carrie Elizabeth (Thomas) Wagner, and widow of Junior Richard “J. R.” Allen.
Margaret graduated from Barrack Elementary School (Valedictorian, 1946), Chilhowie High School (Valedictorian, 1950) and Emory & Henry College (1955, member of Kappa Delta Epsilon) where she met J. R. Allen. They married on September 15, 1956. Before moving to Abingdon in 1979, she had resided in Floyd, Lee, and Smyth counties.
Of Methodist faith, in 1945, she joined Kelly's Chapel Methodist Church, where her ancestors had been members for many years.
A classroom teacher for seven years (Marion, Willis, Rich Valley and Holston High, and Plasterco Elementary) and fondly remembered as librarian at Meadowview Elementary School, Margaret taught by example, was a beacon of wisdom to many and touched the lives of hundreds of children who were encouraged to discover the love, pleasure, and importance of reading and research. Many have excelled in their varied careers and have expressed appreciation over the years by keeping in touch with her. Her devotion and loyalty were rewarded by receiving honorary life memberships in Virginia P.T.A. and Virginia Educational Media Association, and she was a candidate for “Teacher-of-the-Year” in Washington County three times. She continued her love of learning and knowledge to the end of her life. After retiring, she and J.R. enjoyed being local and nationwide genealogists for numerous folks documenting and compiling their family histories.
Margaret will be remembered for crocheting, quilting, cooking, scrap booking, honoring her parents and being a devoted wife and sister, a perfect mom. Through-out her son's public-school years, she offered encouragement and assistance in his achievements. Often, she reached out to others quietly with cards and project of “clippings” ministries. A friend to everyone she met on the highway of life, her spirit of strength, compassion, guidance and support will be greatly missed but will continue to richly bless their lives and memories.
Margaret was a member of many groups including Black's Fort Chapter DAR, Anna Stonewall Jackson Chapter of UDC, Wilderness Trail Chapter of Colonial Dames of XVII Century, Chilhowie and Abingdon BPW, Mattie Rountree Stephenson Women's Club, Julia Lake Circle of Abingdon United Methodist Women, DAV Auxiliary Chapter No. 39 (charter and life), Historical Society of Washington County, VA, Spiral Club of E & H Alumni Association (volunteer class agent) - served on many committees and as officers in above; as well as Field Editor for TASTE OF HOME, a food magazine for 20 years, Southview Extension Club, and Washington County and Virginia Retired Teachers Associations.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother and only sibling, Billy Doran Wagner. In her generation, she was the last surviving member of the Franklin Green and Jennie (Witt) Wagner family.
Margaret is survived by her son, Dr. William Richard (Kathryn) Allen, Cincinnati, OH; brother -in-law, Charles Franklin (Jeanette) Allen, Kernersville, NC; a nephew, a great-niece, a great-great nephew, and two great-great nieces, Illinois; and several cousins.
A private graveside service will be held at Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Ms. Allen.