Margaret Slusher Hendrix

Margaret Jane Slusher Hendrix, 93, of Hyden, Kentucky passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at her residence. Margaret was born October 21, 1932 in Bell County, Kentucky to Victor and Lucy Brock Slusher. She grew up in Warbranch, Kentucky and spent a great deal of time with her beloved grandmother, Sarah Slusher, affectionately referred to as “Maw”. They often harvested bloodroot and ginseng, drying the ginseng on a tin roof before selling it. Although it may sound like a cliche’, Margaret and her sister Chloe walked through deep snow to attend classes in a one-room schoolhouse. Margaret eventually enrolled in Pine Mountain Settlement School and lived there until graduating high school. She then attended Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky and transferred to Nashville to complete her studies at George Peabody School for Teachers. Margaret married Dwight Martin Hendrix on June 22, 1960. They soon moved to Elyria, Ohio where Margaret taught first grade and Dwight was employed as an air traffic controller. Within a year they decided to return to Hyden where they both were employed by the Leslie County Board of Education. Margaret spent the remainder of her career teaching Home Economics and retired in 1993 after many years of service to the students of Leslie County. She and Dwight remained married until his death October 17, 1993. Margaret’s love for her family cannot be measured. She recognized her own shyness in her children and gently encouraged them to participate in actives such as 4-H, athletics and music. She, along with Dwight, attended events and competitions and was likely more nervous than Melissa and Martin. Margaret was an excellent cook and always had a meal on the table for her family. It was a great day for Melisa and Martin when they finally convinced her to buy TV dinners on the days she served liver and onions. Faith and serving the Lord were central to Margaret’s life and never wavered. She was an active member of Central Presbyterian Church in Hyden and and believed in doing whatever was necessary to support the congregation and serve others. She often provided assistance to families in need without seeking recognition because she believed it was simply her duty to help. Teaching was not just a career for Margaret, but also a passion. She believed every student should learn practical skills in sewing and cooking and encouraged those with a special interest to pursue those skills more deeply. She always made sure that no student went without supplies when cost was a concern. Margaret was passionate in spending time with her grandchildren. She was fortunate to be able to keep Conner in his early development and enjoyed every minute with him. She also was blessed to spend time caring for and playing with Lauren. She often said how she wished Dwight could have known them. Flower and vegetable gardening brought Margaret much joy. When spring arrived, it was difficult for her to wait until the danger of frost had passed before planting. This was something she enjoyed doing until she was physically unable and she missed it tremendously. She still enjoyed the plantings her children provided.

Margaret is survived by her children Martin Slusher Hendrix and Melissa Ann McGeorge; her grandchildren Conner McGeorge and Lauren McGeorge; sister Chloe Jean Slusher Roark; brother Randall Slusher and wife Lori and nieces Vickie Buckle and Donna Roark. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight Martin Hendrix; parents Victor and Lucy Brock Slusher; brother-in-law Donald Roark; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mary Katherine and Fred Brashear.

Visitation and service will be held Friday, July 10, 2026 at the Central Presbyterian Church; 137 Hickory Street; Hyden, KY. Visitation for the family will begin at 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. for the public. Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Serving as pallbearers will be Conner McGeorge, John Buckle, Matthew Buckle, Ken Buckle, Jackson Lawrence, ??

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators - Hazard; 57 Dennis Sandlin Md Cove, Hazard, KY 41701; or, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

The family would like to offer their sincerest appreciation to Bluegrass Care Navigators - Hazard for the kindness and compassion they showed Margaret. Special thanks to Deborah Adams, Katie Feltner, Samantha (Sam) Craft and Rita for their expertise, guidance, patience and understanding.