Margaret V. Bynum

Accomplished in both deed and personhood, Margaret Ward Vanneman Bynum, born April 21, 1930, died July 4, 2011 after a lengthy and daunting battle with Parkinson's Disease. Remembered most of her life as "Peggy", she introduced herself as "Margaret" once the indignities of her disease took hold. "Miss Peggy" lovingly tutored children with developmental delays in the 1960's at a time when children with disabilities were hidden or shunned. After sending three children to college, Margaret decided it was her turn to pursue a college degree. Known for her bright intellect, her friends encouraged her as she entered a new program at Agnes Scott College called RTC, or "Return to College". Renamed, the Woodruff Scholars Program was designed for women who had sacrificed post secondary education to raise families. The memory of this experience was one she was to cherish for the rest of her life.

Having had a difficult childhood, Margaret had a keen way of identifying pain in others and actively sought to meet their needs without fear. This attribute served her well in her work at Northside Hospital, where she diligently served for 15 years as a Patient Representative, magically easing anxiety in both patients and their families during frightening times.

Margaret was preceded in death by her son, Gordon C. Bynum, Jr., and leaves behind her loving husband and dedicated caregiver, Gordon C. Bynum, two daughters; Elyse B. Defoor and her husband Bob Frederick and Paige B. Girardot and her husband, Joseph Girardot, four grandchildren; Emily Grey Reeves, Preston Elliott Girardot, Charles Bennett Girardot and Madeleine Elyse Girardot, all of Atlanta, as well as her loving friend and caregiver, Annette Conner, and other friends and relatives.

The family will receive friends on Friday night, July 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at H. M. Patterson's and Sons, Spring Hill. Funeral services will be held at the Cathedral of St Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30305, on Saturday, July 9, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation to The Margaret V. Bynum Scholarship Fund at Agnes Scott College.