By Andy Patton
The Register-Herald
BECKLEY — Margaret Staggers, a longtime physician and former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates representing Fayette County, passed away on New Years Day.
Staggers represented Fayette County in the House of Delegates from 2006 to 2014 and from 2018 to 2020, carrying forward a legacy of public service as the daughter of former Congressman Harley Staggers. Before her service in the Legislature, she served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in New York in 1976.
She also worked as an emergency physician at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital and served as medical director for multiple emergency medical services and emergency operations centers in Fayette, Wyoming, Raleigh and Boone counties.
“West Virginia has lost a dedicated public servant. A physician and member of the House of Delegates, Dr. Margaret Staggers devoted her life to caring for others and serving the people of West Virginia,” Gov. Patrick Mossiey said in a statement upon hearing of Staggers’ passing.
“From serving as President of the West Virginia chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians to her work with the American Heart Association, Dr. Staggers brought compassion and expertise to every role she held. Her service as a physician, educator, and legislator leaves a lasting legacy, especially in southern West Virginia, where she was widely respected by both her patients and constituents.
“Denise and I extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Dr. Staggers will be forever remembered with great appreciation.”
The West Virginia Democratic Party also expressed its sympathy and condolences on the passing Staggers in a statement, calling Staggers a dedicated physician, public servant, and advocate for her community.
“Margaret Staggers lived a life devoted to helping others—whether it was in the emergency room or in the House of Delegates,” West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said. “She understood that public service is about showing up for people when they need you most. Her commitment to public health, education, and community safety left a lasting impact on Fayette County and our state.”
“The West Virginia Democratic Party extends its heartfelt condolences to Delegate Staggers’ family, friends, former colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy of service, compassion, and dedication to West Virginia will not be forgotten,” the statement read.
The Oak Hill Fire Department expressed its condolences in a social media post Thursday.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Margaret Staggers. Dr Staggers was a monumental leader in the Emergency Services and as a WV House of Delegates member always supported the Ems/Fire Service,” the departments Facebook post read. “There is no way of knowing the true magnitude of the lives she has impacted. Our prayers are with her family during this time.”
Staggers was 80 years old.