Margaret Campbell Varner Kiracofe

Margaret Campbell Varner Kiracofe, 98, of Roanoke, Va., died Saturday, October 10, 2009, at Brandon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born October 10, 1911, in Welch, W.Va., a daughter of the late John Augustus Varner of Lexington, Va., and Margaret Elizabeth Watts Varner, of Glasgow, Va. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, John William Kiracofe; and brother, Jack Varner. She is survived by son, John W. Kiracofe Jr. and wife, Julie, of Simpsonville, S.C.; daughter, Augusta Freedman, of Roanoke; grandson, John Courtland Freedman, of Richmond; sister, Elizabeth Varner Guerrant, of Roanoke; nephew, Sam Guerrant, of Fincastle; special friends, Gene and Mary Freedman, of Roanoke; and her beloved Siamese cat, Susie. Margaret was a member of the Class of 1929 at Jefferson High School and a graduate of Madison College. She was a dedicated elementary school teacher for 34 years before her retirement in 1973. Her last 11 years of teaching were at Oakland School in Roanoke. In retirement, she became a world traveler, avid reader and crossword aficionado, and loved spending time at her mountain cabin with family and friends. Margaret was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke. It was here that she was married, and her children christened. Margaret will be remembered for the way she embraced life, her upbeat attitude, her sense of adventure, and her love of family. Funeral service will be held at the grave side 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at Emmanuel Church of the Brethren Cemetery in Mt. Solon, Va. The Rev. Robert D. Smith will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 540-989-2810. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.