Margaret Pyle

Margaret was born as the seventh of eight children in McCormick, SC to Erwin Finley and Lillian Hook Gettys on February 18, 1939. She graduated McCormick High School, attended Winthrop College (now University) by age 16, and graduated in 1959. On August 21, 1959, she married Rev. John Benjamin Stanley of Kingstree, SC, a graduate of Clemson University and Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. Following John’s death, Margaret married Albert Lewis Pyle of Goochland, VA on July 22, 1995.

Margaret was a teacher for over four decades in Augusta and Rockbridge Counties in VA, and Ashe and Alexander Counties in NC. In these years she specialized in elementary and middle school Language Arts, and served with distinction as a County Reading Specialist, Coordinator of Gifted Programs, Special Education teacher, and high school French teacher. She likewise served as a Social Worker and Headstart teacher in its first years in Anderson County, SC. A long-time member, Sunday School teacher, and Elder at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church in Fishersville, VA, she served also with Byrd Presbyterian Church in Goochland, VA and Taylorsville Presbyterian Church in NC. Margaret was an avid reader, lifelong learner, and a talented sewer and storyteller. She volunteered for years at Summit Square, and was known throughout her life for hospitality and respect for communities of all backgrounds.

Margaret is preceded in death by her husbands, John and Albert, by sisters Barbara Strom, Hildreth Strom, and Nellie Campbell, by brothers David and James Gettys, and by grandson Joshua Stanley.

Margaret is survived by children; son Rev. Dr. Mark Stanley & wife Rev. Dr. Becky of Hendersonville, NC, daughter Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea & husband Rev. Dr. Woodie of Washington, DC, step-daughters Joan Spangler & husband Don of Westminster, MD and Janice Patrick (with deceased husband Tim) of Goochland, VA, and heart daughter Lejla Radic of Waynesboro, VA. She is likewise survived by sister Vera Hood & husband Charlie of FL, brother Erwin Gettys & wife Ruth of SC, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Margaret was blessed with granddaughters Elizabeth Pearce & husband Tyler of Hendersonville, NC, Emily Stanley of Washington, DC, and Cheryl Andrews & husband Ben of Alexandria,VA; as well as grandsons Marshall Rea & wife Belen of Newport News, VA, Devon Rea & wife Dr. Shannon of Baltimore, MD, Eric Wallen & wife Suzanne, of Arlington, VA, Bryon Hagen of Palmyra, VA, Alan Hagen of Ivy, VA, and Alec Ralston of Waynesboro, VA. She was also great-grandmother to Arlo and Lucia Rea, Porter Wallen, Ellie Andrews, and Mason, Hannah, & Sarah Hagen, all of VA.

A memorial Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm, September 9, in the Chapel at Summit Square Retirement Community, Waynesboro, VA. A graveside committal will take place September 10, 12:30 pm, at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, Fishersville, VA.

Memorials may be given in her name to Trinity Presbyterian Church (900 Blythe St, Hendersonville, NC 28791) or Church World Service DC (110 Maryland Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002).

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the care providers at Summit Square and to Legacy Hospice.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.