Margaret Winter Witherington

      While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Margaret Witherington. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Margaret was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Margaret was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.      From the time she was born on July 7, 1918, Margaret showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Margaret came into this world at Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Her parents were Fannie Mae and George Winter. Margaret was raised in Atlanta, Georgia.      Margaret was romantic, even poetic at times. She was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show her emotions without going overboard about it.      All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Margaret was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Margaret was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Margaret was blessed with two children, one daughter, Betty Jurgensen and one son Billy Witherington. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Allen, Wendy and Jolene.      Margaret projected a subtle but positive influence in her workplace. She was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While her colleagues did not view her as a high-spirited type, Margaret was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Margaret could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. Her primary occupation was postal clerk. She was employed for 20 years by the United States Postal Service.      As an imaginative and inventive person, Margaret was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Margaret took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuits were ceramics and sewing. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.      Margaret possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced her travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included family reunions in Florida.      As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Margaret accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came during the 70's, and Margaret was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Canton, Georgia.      Margaret passed away on February 6, 2010 at at her home in Canton, Georgia of heart failure. She is survived by her loving husband of 73 years William A. Witherington, Sr., daughter Betty Jurgensen, son, William A. Witherington, Jr. and three grandchildren. Graveside services were held Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Macedonia Memorial Park in Canton, Georgia.      Though she could be a private person at times, Margaret was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Margaret carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Margaret Witherington shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Margaret for the strength of her convictions.