Charleston, West Virginia; January 2nd, 2026
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey issued a public statement this week marking the passing of Dr. Margaret Staggers, recognizing her life of service, leadership, and professional dedication to the people of the Mountain State; the Governor’s statement reflected on her contributions not only as a physician, but as a public servant whose work extended beyond medicine and into the civic life of West Virginia.
According to the Governor’s Office, Dr. Staggers was widely respected for her commitment to health care, education, and community leadership, building a legacy that reached patients, colleagues, and institutions alike; her career spanned decades of service, during which she became known for both her professional excellence and her willingness to advocate for others.
Governor Morrisey, in his statement, extended condolences to Dr. Staggers’ family, friends, and colleagues, noting that her passing represents a loss felt across multiple sectors of West Virginia life; he emphasized that her work left a lasting imprint on the state, particularly in areas where public health, education, and leadership intersect.
Dr. Staggers’ career reflected a broader tradition of service in West Virginia, where professionals often wear multiple hats as caregivers, mentors, and advocates; the Governor’s remarks acknowledged that tradition, highlighting the importance of recognizing those whose contributions quietly shape institutions and communities over time.
The statement did not focus solely on titles or accomplishments, but on character and impact, underscoring the role Dr. Staggers played in advancing care and leadership within the state; the Governor’s Office described her as someone whose influence will continue to be felt through the people she taught, treated, and inspired.
As West Virginia reflects on her passing, Dr. Staggers is remembered as part of a generation of professionals who viewed service not as a résumé line, but as a responsibility; her legacy, as noted by the Governor, stands as a reminder of the lasting difference one life of dedication can make.
The Governor concluded his statement by reaffirming the state’s gratitude for Dr. Staggers’ service and by offering continued prayers and thoughts for those mourning her loss, marking a moment of collective remembrance across West Virginia.
Sources
Primary First-Hand Sources
• WV OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, Statement by Governor Patrick Morrisey on the passing of Dr. Margaret Staggers
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