Margaret Jean "Peggy" Butcher Kempton

Margaret Jean Butcher Kempton, 89, died July 29, 2017 at Hospice House in Pinehurst, NC. "Peggy" was preceded in death by her parents, Florence Mae and John Paul Butcher, her sister, Sarah Marilyn Butcher, and her husband of 28 years, Bernard Patrick Kempton. She is survived by four children, Charles Paul Schmidt and wife, Debby, of Raleigh NC, Deborah Jean Brand and husband, Bob, of Myrtle Beach SC, Patricia Kempton and husband, Tim Emmert, of Carthage NC, and Bernadette McLaren and husband, Rhett, of Shreveport LA, as well as by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Peggy was born and raised in Scio Ohio. She graduated from Ohio State University in 1948 with a bachelor's degree in Education and from Florida State University in 1958 with a master's degree in Mathematics. Peggy taught in the Mathematics Department at James Madison University from 1960 until 1993. Peggy adored her children and grandchildren and devoted her life to them and to her students. Her own children filled her home continuously for forty years, which they feel may qualify her for sainthood. Peggy will be remembered most by her family and friends for her fierce independence, strong sense of responsibility, and deep and abiding love for those dear to her. The family will receive friends at the Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg between 6 pm and 8 pm on Thursday, August 3. A funeral service will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church at 10:00 am on Friday, August 4, with Rev. Dr. Stephen Hay officiating, interment at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens will follow. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.