Ronceverte – Marguerite Givens, 90, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 30, 2017.
She was born Aug. 5, 1926, in Milton, and lived during her childhood and youth in Milton, Hamlin and Peterstown before moving to the family farm in Keenan.
She graduated from Union High School in 1944 and attended West Virginia University, where she excelled m botany, contributing illustrations to The Flora of West Virginia, by P.D. Strausbaugh. She received her master’s degree in Home Economics and enjoyed a 26-year career in educational work at FPC Alderson, retiring in 1978.
Marguerite dearly loved her farm which has been in the Givens family for generations. She raised sheep and Shorthorn cattle as well as horses, cats and her beloved collie dog, Bonnie. Like her mother, Marguerite was a volunteer and blood donor at the American Red Cross. She was passionate about genealogy and the history of West Virginia and was recognized at the 2005 Floyd and Sarah Givens Family Reunion for her many years serving as recorder of the Givens family history. Marguerite was a prolific correspondent who never forgot to acknowledge a birthday or holiday with a thoughtful letter and card. She is remembered by many in the community for her generosity to those in need and her support in helping children achieve higher education.
Marguerite was preceded in death by her parents, William Wiley and Lalah Lovett Givens of Keenan; brothers, Russell and Alva Lane Givens; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Oscar Givens of Keenan and Dr. and Mrs. George Grant Lovett of Bulltown, WV.
She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Vergil and Janet Givens of Saratoga, CA and their children, Carolyn, Steven, Christine, Kathryn and Nancy, who have wonderful childhood memories of summer visits to the farm. In addition to her grand and great-grand nephews and nieces, Marguerite is also lovingly remembered by cousins, Alvin and Eleanor Porterfield of Lewisburg and Larry and Pam Echols, Andrew Echols and Allison and Andy Tomlinson of Gap Mills, who the family thanks for their love and care.
Marguerite’s cremated remains will be interred privately at a later date at Fairview Christian Church Cemetary in Keenan.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.