Marguerite Evans Wagner

Marguerite Evans Wagner of Springfield, VA, died on May 16, 2021. She was 89. She is survived by her children Marguerite (Mike) Willner, Helen Wagner, David (Robin) Wagner, and Kathy (David) Rivers; and eight wonderful grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 61 years, Colonel David Herman Wagner, USMC (Retired) of Williamsport, PA, who died in 2015. Marguerite was born in 1931 in Macon, GA to Robert Ellis Evans and Marguerite Bailey Evans. Brothers Robert Bailey Evans (U.S. Navy) and William Stanley Evans (U.S. Coast Guard), and sister Gwynneth Evans Lamon preceded her in death. Surviving sister Noelle Evans Wood resides in Matthews, NC. Marguerite graduated from A. L. Miller High School in 1949, and Mercer University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After teaching primary school in Macon for a year, Marguerite joined the United States Marine Corps, serving in Parris Island, SC as a 1st Lieutenant, where she met her future husband, also a USMC officer. Separating from the Marine Corps, Marguerite became a full-time mom and a military wife with primary responsibility for her children during her husband’s tours of duty in Vietnam and Okinawa. Marguerite was an active member of Saint Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Springfield, VA, for 60 years where she lovingly served on the Flower Guild, participated in weekly Bible studies, and sustained many life-long relationships. She was a long-time member and past president of the Laurel Garden Club. Marguerite was an avid gardener, who cultivated her home garden with a variety of blooming plants including roses, lilies, irises and her favorite - long-stemmed snapdragons. Other interests included playing bridge and traveling to various historical sites in Virginia. After her husband’s death, she developed deeper relationships with each of her adult children and in-laws. She often credited those who lived locally with helping her maintain a high quality of life. She repaid them with her wisdom and sharing her infectious laugh. Marguerite will be laid to rest in the St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church Memorial Garden at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Marguerite’s memory to the St. Christopher's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 6320 Hanover Avenue, Springfield, VA 22150.