Fayetteville, WV - Dr. Margaret Anne Staggers, Esteemed Physician and Public Servant, Dies at 80

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Dr. Margaret Anne Staggers, a trailblazing emergency physician and dedicated West Virginia legislator, passed away on January 1, 2026, at the age of 80. Known for her unwavering commitment to public health and her tireless service to the people of West Virginia, Dr. Staggers leaves behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and advocacy. Margaret embodied a rare combination of intellect, grace, and grit.

Born January 12, 1945, at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, Margaret was the eldest child of Harley Orrin Staggers Sr., a longtime U.S. Congressman, and Mary Casey Staggers. In high school, she was elected head cheerleader, was selected Miss Golden Tornado and earned National Merit Scholar—a glimpse of her ability to excel in every sphere.

At a time when women's roles in medicine were limited, she earned early admission to and graduated from West Virginia University School of Medicine in 1969. Staggers first operated a family practice in southern West Virginia and later in northwest Pennsylvania, where she delivered more than 500 babies. She later immersed herself fully in emergency medicine, eventually serving as an ER physician at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital.

Between busy ER shifts, she completed an entire paramedic program shoulder to shoulder with EMTs, mastering field-based skills from intubation on the floor to chest decompression in cramped spaces. She fiercely cherished her Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic (MICP) certification, retaking exams every few years alongside veteran medics.

Her medical career spanned decades, during which she also served as medical director for emergency services across Fayette, Wyoming, Raleigh, and Boone counties. She was a respected leader in her field, holding positions such as President of the West Virginia chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians and earning fellowships in both emergency and family medicine.

Dr. Staggers' passion for service extended beyond medicine into public office. A lifelong Democrat, she was a delegate to the 1976 Democratic National Convention and later served multiple terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing Fayette County from 2006 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2020. During her tenure, she held leadership roles including Assistant Majority Whip and vice-chair of key committees, championing legislation that improved transportation, healthcare access, and emergency preparedness.

Her colleagues and constituents remember her as a warm, approachable leader who combined medical expertise with legislative skill to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Governor Patrick Morrisey praised her as "a dedicated public servant whose contributions to healthcare and emergency services will be felt for generations." Tributes also poured in from EMS organizations and fellow lawmakers, highlighting her advocacy for rural health and her mentorship of young professionals.

Dr. Staggers was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Mary Casey Wells, and her sister, Ellen Shank. She is survived by her husband, Robert Underwood, children Hawey Adolphus Wells III (Stacie Wells ND) and Dr. Sherry Underwood Cain; her grandchildren, David, Abigail, and Madison Cain, and Jakob Wells; as well as siblings, Mary Kaye Staggers (David Webb), Susan Tasker (Rick Tasker), Harley O. Staggers Jr. (Leslie Staggers), and Daniel Staggers, as well as an extensive and loving extended family. She resided in Fayetteville, where she remained active in community affairs until her passing.

A public viewing will take place on Wednesday January 7 from 4 to 7 pm at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Oak Hill, WV

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday January 8 at 11 am at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Oak Hill, WV

A subsequent viewing will occur on Saturday January 10 from 10 am to noon at the Markwood Funeral Home in Keyser, WV

She will be buried in a family cemetery in a private event.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Margaret Anne Staggers EMS Scholarship held at the Fayette County Community Foundation, 310 W. Oyler Ave., Oak Hill, WV 25901 (https://faycocf.org)

Dr. Margaret Anne Staggers will be remembered as a healer, a leader, and a champion for West Virginia. Her life's work stands as a testament to the power of service and the enduring impact of compassion.