Imogene Maggard

Imogene Maggard, 94, of Hazard, Kentucky, passed away on April 18. She devoted her life to caring for her family, church, and community, always with quiet strength, deep faith, and abiding love.

Imogene was born in Fourseam in Perry County on June 9, 1930, to Noah and Margaret Cope Barnett. She attended Hazard High School, Berea College, and Bryant Stratton Business College. She was a beloved sister to Owen Cope, Joe (Cathy) Taylor, and Tommy Barnett.

After finishing school, Imogene began working at the Hazard Clinic, but her life took a new turn when she met Herman Maggard. She and Herman were married on February 27, 1954, and their life together was an adventure from the very beginning. She loved to tell the story about how she was surprised by an early morning wake-up call the day after their wedding and the shocking news that they were going deep-sea fishing—just the first of many mystery trips with Herman! However, 

Imogene worked side-by-side with Herman at their general store in Lothair, Maggard’s Store, for over 50 years. The store wasn’t just a place of business; it was a hub of hospitality, kindness, and community, thanks in no small part to Imogene and her sister-in-law, Grace Bowles.

Imogene and Herman had two daughters, Martha Maggard Birdwhistell (Mark) and Alice Maggard Caudill (Mike). Together, she and Herman loved taking their girls on trips around the state and enjoyed hosting friends and family at their home in Lothair, 

A faithful member of Lothair Baptist Church for over 70 years, Imogene loved singing the songs of her faith, and her beautiful alto voice helped carry the congregation each week, led by her favorite song leader, Keith Reynolds, and pianist, Grace Bowles. She was a trusted friend and beloved member of the congregation, Over the years, she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, GAs, Acteens, and numerous women’s groups. She was especially passionate about the work of the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), and she led both her church’s WMU and the Three Forks Baptist Association WMU.

Of all the roles she held, Imogene’s favorite was being a grandmother. She loved being Granny and Granny “Deets” to her beloved grandchildren: Michael Casey Caudill, Matthew Cope Birdwhistell (Shira), Carolyn Caudill Combs (Justin), Mary Alice Birdwhistell (Evan Jacoby), and Michelle Caudill Stein (John). The grandchildren especially enjoyed summers working at Maggard’s Store and Imogene’s homemade chocolate milkshakes at night. They loved spending time with their grandparents on their family farm at Muddy Creek in Madison County, playing BINGO and “baseball” trivia, and family cookouts. They enjoyed the country on family trips to California, New York, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Florida.

In recent years, Imogene became Granny and Gigi to her beloved great-grandchildren: Madison Combs, Tate Combs, Brennon Combs, Ally Combs, Lily Birdwhistell, Evan Birdwhistell, Grayson Combs, Ella Birdwhistell, and Jay Stein, with another great-grandchild due in May of this year. Her love extended across generations, and her gentle and faithful presence will be deeply missed. She is also survived and missed dearly by her many nieces and nephews.

Imogene was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Maggard; parents, Noah and Margaret Cope Barnett; brother, Tommy Barnett; and grandson, Michael Casey Caudill.

Visitation was held from April 21, at Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home. Funeral Services were conducted. on  April 22,  also at Oldham Roberts & Powell Funeral Home, with Rev.  John Morris and Rev. Mike Caudill officiated. Visitation was also be held prior to the service on Tuesday.. Burial followed the service at Richmond Cemetery, where pallbearers were  Brian Bowles, Doyle Bowles, Darrell Bowles, John Lee Dundon, Craig Allen Dundon, Tim Edwards, and Greg Edwards.