SPRINGFIELD - Margaret Lancaster Coombe, age 98, passed away March 27, 2024 after a long illness. Margaret was born in 1926 to Horrie and Lola Futrell Lancaster in Springfield, GA and in her early years attended a one room schoolhouse in Stillwell, GA. After graduating from Effingham Academy, Margaret took a job with Bell Telephone in Savannah as a long-distance operator during WWII. While living in Savannah, she met her husband, James (Jim) Paul Coombe of Barnesville, PA. Jim was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield and when discharged, the two lived in Pennsylvania for over thirty years where Margaret was a homemaker.

Margaret was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and was an eager volunteer for many church activities. Margaret found happiness in helping those less fortunate and believed in a life of service. She volunteered for innumerable good causes, including driving for Meals on Wheels and Operation Christmas Child. Margaret was a dedicated blood donor, and she tirelessly raised funds for the Effingham American Heart Association where she earned numerous awards for service. In addition, for decades Margaret worked as an election poll manager. While in Pennsylvania, she was a member of the Eastern Star, the women's auxiliary of the Masonic Lodge.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Lawton, Doris Wilson, and Dessie. She is survived by her children, James Coombe (Barbara) of Aylett, VA, Jay Coombe (Donna) of Clyo, Lynn Clifton (Richard) of Savannah, and Jeffrey Coombe (Laurie) of Springfield; grandchildren, Lesley Gamer of Gainesville, VA, James P Coombe of Carson VA, Lauren Groover of Statesboro, Jay Coombe Jr. of Loganville, Amelia Bostwick of Tybee Island, Madeline Chappell of Atlanta, Jesse Coombe of Springfield, and Jaime Coombe of Port Wentworth, and eight great-grandchildren. Margaret is also survived by her sister Barbara Morgan (Reland), nieces, Jane Lee and Trudie Sapp, a family of nieces and nephews, and a community she loved.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Savannah and for their compassionate and thoughtful care these last few months.

A visitation will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Strickland's Funeral home in Springfield.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Springfield followed by burial in Springfield Cemetery Annex.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances be sent to Hospice of Savannah or the Senior Citizens of Effingham Meals on Wheels program.

And, maybe the best way any of us can remember Margaret is to be kind to one another and try and help those less fortunate.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421