Margaret Evelyn Byer

90, beloved and loving mother of Andrew Guy Byer, Alan Dewey Byer, Holly Byer Renfrew, and Matthew Wilson Byer; departed this life on December 15th, 2014. She was 90 years of age.She is survived by her sons and daughter; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. In addition, a great-great-granddaughter is expected in March, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arley Wilson Byer; parents, Dewey and Margaret Hollinger; an infant son, Alexander; and her grandson, Dwight H. Renfrew III.She was born in Lowell, Ohio in December 18, 1923 and grew up across the Ohio River in Parkersburg, West Virginia, where she graduated from Parkersburg High School. She continued her education at Morris Harvey College (later University of Charleston) in Charleston, West Virginia. Margaret was a life-long musician and vocalist, and she and her father, Dewey Hollinger, played together in the Charleston, West Virginia, Symphony when the family moved to that city in the 1940s. Later, she sang with the Charleston Civic Chorus; and she was active in the Charleston Community Music Association, serving as an officer for many decades. For more than 60 years, Margaret sang with the chancel choir at First Presbyterian Church of South Charleston, West Virginia and, in 2012, that church presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation for her contributions to their music ministry.An avid tennis player, Margaret was active for decades in amateur tennis leagues in the Charleston, West Virginia area along with husband Wilson. She continued until she received a defective replacement hip in 2007. After that, she participated regularly in water aerobics classes at the South Charleston Recreation Center.For more than 30 years, Margaret volunteered faithfully with Meals on Wheels of Charleston, preparing and serving meals at their Thomas Memorial Hospital center in South Charleston, West Virginia.After her husband died in August 2011, Margaret began making plans to move to Bainbridge Island, Washington to join two of her children, Matthew Wilson Byer and Holly B. Renfrew. However, she suffered a catastrophic fall in the spring of 2012, an accident that could have altered her plans and, ultimately, ended her life. In an inspirational battle with grave injuries, she regained her health and recovered her mobility to the extent that she, with her children's help, moved to Washington State in September, 2012. There she remained in an assisted living facility, Wyatt House, on Bainbridge Island, Washington, until her health began to fail in October, 2014. Son Matthew Byer, his wife Terri, daughter Holly B. Renfrew, and granddaughter Emily Renfrew were with her at the end.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 10:30 AM at The Wyatt House on Bainbridge Island. There will be another Memorial Service to be held at Grace Episcopal Church which will be announced on the funeral home website.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends make memorial contributions to Grace Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island, Washington; and First Presbyterian Church, South Charleston, West Virginia.Arrangement entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home. Please sign the online guest book for the family.