Margaret Kibler

Margaret Lettitia Smith Kibler, 71, of Bluefield, WV joined her beloved husband John in dancing before Jesus on November 24^th, 2019.  She was born in Appalachia, VA on January 19, 1948 to Betty Jane Humbert Smith and the late John Richard Smith, Sr. Margaret's daddy affectionately called his first born daughter Peejib, a family nickname that stuck with her through adulthood.

She followed in her father’s footsteps and graduated from Hiwassee College in 1968 with a degree in Speech and Drama before attending and graduating from Morehead State University in 1971 with a degree in Speech Education. During her college years, she excelled in her studies and won many awards in speech, debate, and drama. She moved to Bluefield after she married her high school sweetheart John Hyatt Kibler on April 15, 1972. She enjoyed being at home with her children before becoming the director of Head Start. She continued her career at Bluefield Regional Medical Center and Four Seasons Rehab as a Speech and Language Pathologist, eventually retiring in 2017. Margaret was very proud of the work she did to make a difference in the lives of her patients.

Always a faithful member in the body of Christ, she spent a lifetime answering the call to service in the church in roles such as Women's Ministry president, circle chair, Sunday school teacher, children's church teacher, choir member, and prayer team member. She loved her church family at Westminster Presbyterian, where she had been a member for 25 years. Christian praise music was dear to Margaret as well, a passion for which she passed on to her children. She had a heart for others and loved being able to help them through her charitable giving, but most of all by being a mighty prayer warrior. She approached the throne of Heaven on behalf of all she knew and loved. Her faith and strength came from her relationship with Jesus Christ, and she trusted in Him from an early age. She often quoted Philippians 4:13 and loved to encourage others with scripture passages.

Her greatest passion in life next to her faith was her family, and she loved nothing more than to have them all together. Her grandchildren, who affectionately called her Gamma Choo Choo, were an abundant source of pride and filled her heart with joy. She was an excellent caregiver and was quick to place everyone’s needs above her own. She had the privilege of caring for her mother, who lived with her since 2017. And she tirelessly and devotedly tended to her husband while he battled chronic illness over several years.

Those left to miss her dearly include her mother, Betty Jane Humbert Smith; son Todd Walker Kibler and wife Shannon of Clemmons, NC; son Jeremiah Smith Kibler and wife Keisha of Morgantown, WV; daughter Loucinda Hyatt Kibler Copley and husband Christopher of Bluefield, WV; brother John Richard Smith, Jr. and wife Billie Jean; sister Janie Smith Porter and husband Mark; grandchildren Sadie Coraline Kibler and Asher-John Dean Copley; sister in law Margaret Kibler Boggess and husband Ben; sister in law Nina Kibler Hancock and husband Mike; nieces and nephews William Knight, Natalie Watters, Jared Smith, Christopher Wardlow, and Grace Hancock; several dear cousins, and special family friend Connie Green. She was preceded in death by her father John Richard Smith, Sr., husband John Hyatt Kibler, father in law Kenneth Carl Kibler, mother in law Ann Walker Kibler, niece Natasha Benedict, nephew Samuel Benedict, and lifelong friend, Virginia (Jennie) Adams.

A celebration of Margaret’s life will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 30^th at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Bluefield, WV with Rev. Doug McDaniel officiating. Friends may visit at 10:00 AM on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Margaret’s memory may make a donation to Westminster Presbyterian Church. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, WV is serving the Kibler family.  

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13