Margaret Marie Kelley Staggs Raymond, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on December 4, 2024, at the home of her granddaughter in Unionville, surrounded by the love of her family.
Margaret was born on September 12, 1933, in the Williamsport area to the late Herbert and Eliza Potts Kelley. She was a woman of deep faith and devotion, and her life was a beautiful reflection of love, kindness, and a steadfast commitment to her family. Margaret cherished the simple joys of life, particularly tending to her garden, where she grew beautiful flowers and canned her own vegetables. Her kitchen was always filled with the warm, inviting aromas of her cooking, especially during Sunday meals when she lovingly prepared food for her family and the preacher’s family. A visitor to her home was always asked, “Are you hungry? Have you eaten?” as she wanted to ensure everyone felt welcomed and cared for.
Margaret’s love for her roots never waned. Even after moving into town, she often longed to visit the place where she was born and raised, taking peaceful drives through the countryside.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: Margaret Ann Nichols, Susan Elaine Ford, Janet Jennette Scarberry, and Tom Walker Staggs; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and her brother Harlon Kelley (Elise).
Margaret is reunited in heaven with her sons Larry David Staggs, James Herbert Staggs, daughters Betty Gail Smith and Sandra Louise Higginson, and granddaughter: Everetta Smith Koehling. She is also preceded in death by her sisters Helen, Gee, Clara Mae, Sue, and Fay, and her brother J.C. She joins her late husband, Jessie Raymond, and the father of her children, David Staggs, in eternal rest.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Williams Funeral Home, Columbia at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 12:00 PM to the start of the service. Burial will follow at Williamsport Baptist Church Cemetery, where Margaret’s love for her faith will be honored.
As was her tradition, family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Margaret’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
