LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) — Margaret Emillie Young Jack, a lifelong pillar of faith and community for Alderson and surrounding towns, celebrated her 103rd birthday on Monday, April 6, while residing at Lewisburg Healthcare Center.
Born in 1923 in Richwood, West Virginia, Margaret was the eldest daughter of 13 children born to Charles and Lenora Persinger Young. A devout Christian and the wife of the late Rev. Charles Jack, she lived a life deeply rooted in faith, service and communal care. Over the years, she became known as a preacher’s wife, a restaurant owner, a biscuit maker at Ross Express Station, Alderson’s renowned “Pie Lady,” and a dedicated employee at Alderson Elementary School, where she worked until the age of 89.
Margaret’s resilience was evident from a young age. After a year-long battle with typhoid fever, which caused her to miss her junior year of high school, she returned to complete her senior year. She later moved to Akron, Ohio, to contribute to the World War II effort by working at the Firestone Tire Factory. A year later, her husband-to-be, Charles Jack, joined her in Akron, and the couple soon became engaged.
The two married in 1943 and began their life together in Philippi, West Virginia, where Margaret supported Charles through college. After his graduation, they moved to Kansas so he could attend Central Baptist Seminary, with Margaret continuing to work. They eventually returned to West Virginia to serve at their first church in Peterstown. The family later settled in Alderson, with Margaret remaining a friend to neighbors with a generous presence in the community.
In addition to raising her own children, Malcolm Jack, the late Wallace Jack, and Merriam Jack Cole, Margaret lovingly raised two of Charles’ cousins, Hope and Kaye Hayeslette, following the passing of their mother. In addition to her children and husband, Margaret’s beloved family includes her grandchildren, J.J. Cole and wife, Leann, Letisha “Tish” Brown, and Amanda DePriest and husband Charley; great-grandchildren, Aiden Cole, Charlie DePriest, Kinsley Cole, John Robert DePriest and Griffin Brown; and several cherished nieces, nephews and extended family members who hold her dear.
Margaret’s influence extended beyond her immediate family. She was known for her generosity, kindness, and unwavering spirit, often providing a warm meal to someone in need or sharing coins with children for ice cream. Her legacy endures in the countless acts of service that defined her life.
Tish Brown recalls that Margaret “loved with a big heart and made everyone feel seen and cared for. She showed us what faith looks like in everyday life and inspired us to help others just as she did.”
Her family notes that she leaves behind a lasting impact as the matriarch of her family, a faithful friend, and a compassionate neighbor. In addition to her children, Margaret’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren carry forward her values and spirit.
“We celebrated not just a birthday but a lifetime of faith, resilience, and love that Mom has shared with all of us,” Merriam Cole, Margaret’s daughter, shared. “Her strength through health challenges, her warmth to every neighbor, and the joy she finds in family gatherings inspire us every day. We’re grateful to have her as our matriarch and our reminder to live with kindness.”
The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to Lewisburg Healthcare Center for making Margaret feel at home and celebrated on her special day and every day.
