Margaret Smith Buford

Margaret Smith Buford lived a full and rewarding life. She was a person who never met a stranger. She died near eventide in her garden on October 13, 2017 at the ripe age of 85. She was born on November 12, 1931 in Atlanta, Georgia to P.W. and Mae Smith. She grew up in Atlanta attending the North Avenue Presbyterian School and moved on to Queens College in Charlotte, N.C., where she received her Bachelor’s Degree. She then went to the Presbyterian Assembly Training School in Richmond, VA, where she received her Master’s degree in Christian Education.

Upon graduation she was hired by the Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke as the director of Christian Education. It was here that she met the love of her life, Guy Buford. They subsequently married in this church on December 9, 1961. As life moved on, she gave birth to three children, Ernest, Virginia and Guy Scott, all born in Roanoke. During this period Margaret worked in positions managing or supervising preschool education. When Guy Scott was barely a year old the family moved to a rural location in South Roanoke County and 2 years later moved on to a farm in Franklin County, part of which has the garden where Margaret died. Being a city girl, she was not sure about country life but she was a good trooper and readily adapted. She really took to it and grew to love rural life in Franklin County.

Margaret had a sparkling personality and lit up any room she entered. When guests arrived at her home, they were greeted by her signature welcoming smile. This was in spite of any physical pain or concerns she might be experiencing. And it wasn’t an act. That bright smile was there for family and friends, letting them know they were welcome and valued. She also had an inquiring mind, something passed down from her mother. She was genuinely interested in meeting new people and learning about their lives, their interests, their travels and their challenges. Margaret herself was engaged in many hobbies and interests including gardening, writing, art, and reading.  She was an emeritus master gardener, and her love of plants and creativity were evident in every room of her home.  She often provided flowers for Brick Church of the Brethren.  Margaret was also an advocate for the mentally ill and an active member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, becoming a trainer and support for family members of the mentally ill.

Margaret is survived by her husband Guy Buford of Rocky Mount, VA; her son Ernie Buford (Cath) of Richmond, VT; her daughter Virginia “Jan” Hout of Prescott, AZ; her grandchildren Nick and Nash Hout of Prescott, AZ and Seamus and Evie Mae Buford of Richmond, VT; her nephews David Smith (Carol) of Mt. Airy, MD, Brian Smith (Rebecca) of Frostproof, FL, Tom Moore (Marilyn) and Steven Moore (Tamara) of Fortuna, CA; her nieces Mary Ann Buffum (Dennis) of Florence, OR and Betsy Bareilles (Paul) of Eureka, CA; and numerous grand-nephews and grand-nieces. She is preceded in death by her brothers Harold and Raleigh; her sister Virginia Moore (Jim); her son Guy Scott; and her nephew Dana Smith.

Memorial services will be conducted at Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren, 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2017. Her family will receive friends 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 16, at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org .