Margaret Aitken
September 26, 1924 - October 04, 2018
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Margaret Aitken
September 26, 1924 - October 04, 2018
Obituary
Margaret aitken was born september 26,1924 in galston, scotland and departed this life october 4, 2018, in raleigh, north carolina.
She was predeceased by her husband, merl a. Aitken, to whom she was married 64 years. In 1942 they made their home in south charleston, wv and later in charleston, west virginia, which became their beloved adopted state.
She is survived by son, david leslie aitken and nancy, daughter, barbara ann and donald neptune, son, thomas lambie aitken ii and luanne all of morehead city, nc; sister, mary d. Adkins and her husband, jim, of hurricane, wv; grandsons, timothy aitken and susan of raleigh, nc, jeffrey aitken and ann of washington, dc, michael neptune and fiancã©e, mary beth brewer of durham, nc; granddaughter, jennifer aitken-wietecha and ro of ghana; great-grandson, graham aitken and great-granddaughter, margaret lambie aitken of raleigh, nc, great granddaughter, kaitlin arran wietecha and great grandson, alexander aitken wietecha, of ghana, great granddaughter, ava aitken and great grandson finn aitken, of washington, dc, sisters in law ruth ellen aitken of durham, nc, elaine ruffner and edward of claremont, ca; brother-in-law, ray gearing of tx, 22 nieces and nephews, and many cousins in scotland.
She was also predeceased by her parents, mungo duncan wyper and janet scott wyper and brothers, james wyper and robert wyper.
Margaret received her ba degree in english education from wv state college, graduating summa cum laude, having served as president of the english honorary society. She also studied at the university of virginia, charlottesville, va. She taught english and american history for 25 years at spring hill junior high school where she served as chair of the english department. She received the kanawha county schools teacher of the year award and when interviewed by the charleston gazette , “mrs. Aitken said: the keys to being an effective teacher are love of youth, a good sense of humor, and mutual respect”. She also served the kanawha county school system in several leadership capacities.
She was a member of several presbyterian and methodist churches, sang in church choirs, served as soprano soloist, and in various church offices. Her community involvement included the charleston civic chorus of which merl was co-founder, charleston ywca,board of directors, volunteering at st. Francis hospital where she and merl received the frist humanitarian award, st. Andrews society, american rhododendron society, north american heather society, and the international club of charleston.
Celebrations of life will be held saturday, october 27 at first united methodist church, morehead city, nc with rev. Patrick whaley officiating, and
saturday, november 3, at first presbyterian church, south charleston, wv with niece, rev. Sharon gearing officiating. Visitation from 12 -1 and service at 1 p.M. In both locations.
You may send condolences to the family at: www.Barlowbonsall.Com
5 responses to Margaret Aitken
Claire Spradling says:
August 10, 2021
Location: Alabama
I Was An English Student Of Mrs. Aitken At Spring Hill Junior High. She Instilled In My My Love Of Grammar And Literature. To This Day, I Love Diagraming Sentences. She Is One Of Three English Teachers, Who Gifted Me The Love Of Reading. Sending Love And Light To Her Family. Peace Be With You.
Carla Whitten Williamson says:
August 10, 2021
Relationship: Former Student
Location: South Charleston West Virginia
I Extend My Sincerest Sympathies To All Family Members And Loved Ones. Mrs. Aitken Was A Beautiful Person Inside And Out. She Was Such A Positive Role Model For Everyone In The Community. The Year I Spent In Her 8Th Grade English Class Produced Fond Memories And Inspired Me To Become An English Teacher. At Various Times Throughout My Career As A Classroom Teacher I Would Find Myself Reflecting Upon Her Classroom And Her Relationships With Her Students. She Was Respected By Students And Colleagues Because She Was So Respectful Of Others. Her Love Of Literature Just Fed My Love Of Reading, And I Loved The Days She Would Read Aloud To Us. As A 66 Year Old Retiree, Former Teacher, Principal And State Director Of Curriculum And Instruction, I Can Say Without Doubt That Margaret Aitken Not Only Touched Many Lives; She Enriched Those Lives.
Kim (Baughman) Solomon says:
August 10, 2021
Relationship: Student
Location: Dublin Ohio
I Was A Student Of Mrs. Aitkens At Spring Hill Jr. High. During A Speech Assignment In Front Of The Whole Class I Became Nervous And Totally Forgot My Speech. She Suggested I Sit Down And Calm Down And Try Again Later. I Did And Succeeded With The Speech. Her Kindness Of Giving Me A Second Chance Is Still Remembered Today. As I Read Her Obituary It Doesn’T Surprise Me Of All Her Community Involvements. Some Teachers You Remember Forever. She Is One Of Those For Me. My Thoughts Are With Her Family At This Time.
Dr. Linda Colvin Underwood says:
August 10, 2021
Relationship: Colleague
Location: Clayton North Carolina
I Was A Member Of The Faculty At Spring Hill Junior High. It Was An Honor To Teach With Margaret. She Was A Terrific Teacher And A Wonderful Person. It Was An Honor To Know Margaret. May She Rest In Peace.
Beth Moore says:
August 10, 2021
Location: Alabama
May The Love Of Family And Friends Comfort You During These Difficult Days, My Most Heartfelt Condolences For The Loss Of Margaret.
I Also Want To Share A Beautiful Scripture That Gives Us Much Hope And Personal Comfort. Acts 24:15 “And I Have Hope Toward God, Which Hope These Men Also Look Forward To, That There Is Going To Be A Resurrection Of Both The Righteous And The Unrighteous.” Imagine That Day When All Our Loved Ones Are Brought Back To Life Through A Resurrection And We Can Embrace Them Again. How We Long For That Truly Special Day So Close At Hand.