Margaret Thurmond: October, 23, 1950 – February, 23, 2026

Margaret Lee Thurmond was called home to join her Lord and Savior on February 23, 2026, at the age of 75.

Margaret was born on October 23, 1950, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Novis Truman Thurmond and Jean Patricia Snooks Thurmond. Her brother, David, was born eight years later.

Margaret grew up in a Navy family and lived in many places around the globe, including Virginia, California, Texas, Key West, Okinawa, Montana, and Washington. Washington had been her home for many years. Her father served in the Navy as a Seabee and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Her mother was a devoted wife and loving mother who dedicated herself to raising Margaret and her brother.

Margaret graduated from high school in Okinawa in 1969. She was married to Russell Baumiester before leaving Okinawa. Later, she married Ray Smith and lovingly embraced his two children, Angela and William, as her own. Angela preceded Margaret in death in 2011.

Margaret worked for many years at NAS Whidbey Island Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), where she met many wonderful people. Several of her lasting friendships began at the gym and grew over the years, including Gary Robinson, Wes, Wynndee and Wryran Young, and Sheri Hillberry.

Margaret grew deeply in her faith at Redeeming Grace Church. The congregation there became a true “family in Christ” to her.

Family and friends were near and dear to Margaret. Throughout her life, she shared much love, prayers, joy, and time with her nephews Shaun and Mike, and her son-in-law, Jon-Jon. Margaret welcomed friends into her life with open arms and a loving heart. She shared amazing, special, and treasured friendships with Gary Robinson, Sheri Hillberry, and Kathleen Houlihan.

Margaret was an exceptionally caring person. She cared about others—their families, their lives, and what was on their hearts. She remembered even the smallest details and had a special way of making each person she met feel seen and appreciated.

Margaret enjoyed collecting stuffffed, painted, and ceramic piggies. Gary Robinson once surprised her with a live pot-bellied pig that she named Piggie Sue. Reptiles and birds were also part of her life. Her Quaker parrot, Stanley, brought many smiles and laughter to her days. Stanley would sing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” to Margaret.

The family and treasured friends would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who cared for Margaret. She and her loved ones deeply appreciated the support, kindness, and compassion shown to her.

Margaret will be greatly missed. Her family, friends, and loved ones will forever feel the void she leaves in their hearts.

A memorial service will be held at Christian Reformed Church, 1411 Wieldraayer Road, Oak Harbor, WA, on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The service will be live-streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@rgcoakharbor/live