She was known as “Marg/Auntie Marg” to her family, “Meg” to her North Carolina friends, and “Ms. Poe” to the many students she taught over the years. She was born in Aurora, Nebraska, in February 1936, to the late Lyle and Peggy Shaneyfelt. In 1953, Margaret graduated from Aurora High School as the valedictorian of her class. In 1957, she graduated summa cum laude from Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship during her final semester, which allowed her to teach mathematics at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, in 1957 and 1958. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Mathematics and Education from the University of New York (Albany) in 1969.
Margaret had a stellar career as a mathematics teacher and a unique ability to make math understandable for her students. She first taught in Racine, Wisconsin, where she met her husband of 43 years, Gene Poe. They married in 1964. She also taught in Bornova, Turkey, after being awarded a Fulbright Teaching Grant, and in Latham, New York. In 1974, she and her husband relocated to Oak Island. She then taught at South Brunswick High School until her retirement in 1994. During her time at South Brunswick, she was twice named Teacher of the Year and was honored with a scholarship fund established in her name to recognize her superior teaching skills. She also initiated AP calculus and computer programming courses at the school. Margaret had high expectations for her students and had a profound impact on them, giving them skills used throughout their lives. Former students routinely thanked her for all she had done for them, noting they learned so much in her classes.
Margaret was an avid reader. She also loved the ocean and the beach, watching classic movies, playing cards with dear friends, and spoiling her beloved dog, Sadie. She selflessly helped others in need and was always willing to give guidance and share her knowledge with friends and family, who she cherished. Although she never had children of her own, she was devoted to her nieces and nephews and never missed a birthday or the opportunity to spend time with them and their children. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her sister, Sue Zaruba, of Omaha, Nebraska; a sister-in-law, Mary Miller of Omaha; as well as nine nieces and nephews, their spouses, and her great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Dick and Roger Shaneyfelt, as well as her husband, Gene Poe.
A celebration of life will be held in the future.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to either Matthew’s Ministry in Southport or to Disabled American Veterans.
Online condolences may be made to www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.
Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.
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