Margaret Vandeveer

Margaret Vandeveer, age 89, passed away after an extended illness at Wexford House Nursing Home in Kingsport, TN on April 9, 2016. Margaret was the only child of Willis & Ruth Gary. She was born in Newport News, VA where she lived most of her life. The majority of her working career was spent as a school bus driver for the City of Newport News. In her retirement, she and Ike developed a successful wood craft business and frequented local craft shows with a dedicated customer base.
In 1980, they retired to Gaston Lake in North Carolina where they had spent most of their vacationing and weekend life. There they began serving their community by helping to establish the Roanoke Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department where the original building has been named after them in their honor. Mom served as a leader in the Ladies Auxiliary along with many of her friends. Her greatest joy was her family and she was a dedicated homemaker and gardener.
Margaret is survived by her husband of almost 70 years, Norman (Ike) Vandeveer formerly of Henrico, NC, her daughter, Brenda Moore, and husband, Jim of Kingsport, TN; son, Mike Vandeveer and wife Michele of Smithfield, VA; and Kenny Vandeveer and wife Kris of Floyd, VA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Chris Moore and wife, Kelly; Jason Moore and wife, Lindsay; Olivia Vandeveer, Erica Vandeveer and Maggie (Mom's name sake) Vandeveer. Thanks to her grandsons, she had the joy of having seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in North Carolina.
Our family offers our sincere thanks to the wonderful staff at Brookdale Assisted Living (formerly Emeritus of Kingsport) for the loving care they provided for our Mom the past 4 years and continue to care for our Dad. Words aren't enough to express our appreciation for "Sweet Kay" (appropriately named by Mom) and her loving, compassionate care.
The family requests that in honor of Margaret's dedication to building the RWVFD charitable donations be made in her name to Roanoke Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department, 790 Lizard Creek Rd., Littleton, NC 27850.