MARGARET FLETCHER
Margaret Trader Fletcher was the eldest of four children born to William Ogress Trader and Elisha Wright Trader on January 20, 1936. She passed away at home early Friday morning, May 22, 2020 after battling chronic kidney disease the last several years. Margaret attended the Accomack County public schools progressing to high school before withdrawing. However, she was a life long learner who self educated herself on any subject which interested her. She always regretted not finishing school and decided to remedy it by participating in the Adult Education Program under Tyson’s Improvement Program. She was recognized with a certificate for outstanding attendance and the publication of a news article titled, “Use Your Own Mind”, which expressed her belief that anyone can accomplish their goals with some hard work and dedication, and a belief that God will make a way. She gave her best in whatever she did and could be relied upon if she made a commitment and expected the same of others.
Margaret confessed her belief in Christ as a youngster under the leadership of Rev. M. T. Boone of First Baptist Church Mappsville, VA where she remained a life long member. She was an active member supporting various church activities and committees and served as church treasurer for several years. She dedicated her longest service as a member of the kitchen committee which allowed her to express her joy in serving well prepared and presented meals.
Margaret was joined in marriage to the late John Claybourne Fletcher in 1953. Their union produced five children which survive her. But her true children were her many house plants, some over 50 years old plus the countless flowers, bushes and trees in her yard where she spent countless hours in their planting and maintenance. If it was a plant, she could grow it even if it was not likely grown in this area.
She was predeceased by her 12 week old granddaughter, Natosha Holden in 1982.
Left to cherish her memory forever are her children: Ralph and Larry Fletcher, Debbie Baker, Valerie Fletcher (Daryl Andrerson), and Sandra Handy (Larry); grandchildren: Tammy Turner Crippen (Anthony), Carl Baker (Kacey), Branden Holden (Shana), Nicole Marshall, and Brittny Holden; great-grandchildren: DiVontriq Crippen (Ke’Shauna), Tanaka Crippen, Kennedy, London & Parker Baker, Nasir Holden and Jasir Jackson, Maliq Harrell, Tahir Abdullah Raheem and Reagan Wilson and three great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Ruth Trader, Mary Bright and Preston Trader; aunts: Sarah Trader Witherspoon and Lois Trader Brim; two nephews, six nieces and many, many cousins and friends.
Of special note is her cousin, Deborah Moore who became a surrogate daughter over the last several years and her Tyson Foods co-workers and friends including Vyonne ’Mickey’ McNeill, Jeanette Harmon, Nancy Harmon and Mary Garvin.
