Margaret “Maggie” Morton Drennen died peacefully at her home in Shepherdstown, on April 7, 2017, at the age of 99.

Born on May 10, 1917, in Charleston, she was the third-born child of David Holmes Morton and Alice Boyd Cox Morton. Her older brother and sister, Quin Morton II and Emma Louise Thompkins, passed away in 1986 and 2003 respectively.

Maggie grew up in Charleston and then studied at Duke University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1938. On Nov. 30, 1941, she married William Miller Drennen, with whom she had four children: Margaret Penelope “Penny” Drennen McLanahan, William Miller Drennen Jr., David Holmes Drennen, and Dale Louise Drennen Walter.

During her time in Charleston, Maggie served as president of the Junior League, taught Sunday School, and volunteered at the local hospital. In 1958, she moved to Washington, D.C. with her husband, who had been appointed to the U.S. Tax Court, and where he would later serve as Chief Judge. In Washington, Maggie taught school at Norwood Parish Day School and became involved at St. John’s Episcopal Church, teaching Sunday school and managing the Opportunity Shop. She continued her work with the Junior League of Washington, and served as a regular docent at the National Art Gallery.

Maggie and the Judge remained in Washington until 1988, when she founded Cress Creek Golf and Country Club in Shepherdstown. The Club has since grown into the premier residential golf course community in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. She hosted multiple charity golf tournaments, including the GSIVC, Shenandoah Women’s Center, Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department, St. James School Scholarship Fund, Shepherd University Foundation Scholarship Fund, and many more. Cress Creek was selected in 2004 and 2012 as the venue for the WV Women’s Amateur Championship.

Known throughout her life for her contribution to her community, as well as her joy, vigor, deep faith, and appreciation of family and friends, Maggie has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades: The Historic Shepherdstown Preservation Award (2004), The West Virginia Bar Foundation’s Citizen of the Year for Outstanding Community Service (2005), The Shepherd University President’s Award (2007), The Hall of Fame Award from the Shepherd University Friends of Music (2008), The Rotary Club of Shepherdstown Paul Harris Award (2008), and most recently the England Award from the WV Golf Association in recognition of contributions to amateur golf in West Virginia (2017).

Maggie is survived by her four children, 11 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held in her honor, on the afternoon of May 10, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Shepherdstown. A reception hosted by the family at The Club at Cress Creek will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Panhandle, Trinity Episcopal Church in Shepherdstown, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Brown Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneral HomesWV.com.