Fayette County, WV – Former West Virginia Delegate and longtime emergency physician Dr. Margaret Staggers has died.
State leaders and community members confirmed her passing on New Year’s Day.
Dr. Staggers, 80, represented Fayette County in the West Virginia House of Delegates, serving from 2006 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2020. During her tenure, she served as an assistant majority whip and was recognized for her contributions to public health, emergency services, and community safety.
Outside the Legislature, Staggers built a decades‑long career as an emergency physician at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital and served as medical director for multiple EMS agencies and emergency operations centers across Fayette, Raleigh, Wyoming, and Boone counties.
Governor Patrick Morrisey called her “a dedicated public servant” whose compassion and expertise shaped emergency medicine and public service in West Virginia.
Dr. Staggers was the daughter of longtime U.S. Congressman Harley Staggers and Mary Casey Staggers. She also served as a delegate to the 1976 Democratic National Convention.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Governor Morrisey Issues Statement on Passing of Dr. Margaret Staggers
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Patrick Morrisey issued the following statement upon hearing of the passing of former delegate, Dr. Margaret Staggers:
“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.
“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.”
