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Obituary for MARGO PLATER GOGGINS
The lovely Margo Plater Goggins was born to Alice and Terry Plater, Sr. on March 5, 1971, at Calvert Memorial Hospital in Prince Frederick, MD.
Margo fought a good fight, finished her course and kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for her a crown. She entered into God's eternal rest at the age of 45 on Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland, after a four- year battle with breast cancer.
Margo was anointed and full of life. The eldest of seven siblings, she was the center of many memorable family moments. She was known for her uniqueness and being tough, yet tender.
Margo's pride and unconditional love for her family was priceless. Her legacy of gratitude to God for a family full of wisdom and fun leaves much for all to cherish. Margo was a phenomenal sister - she was inspirational, loving, devoted, humble, anointed, strong, and funny- in a word, irreplaceable.
As a child, she was baptized in the name of Jesus, and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost under the late Bishop Jacob A. Green at Bethel Way of the Cross Church, Inc. From an early age, she served the Lord and song in several choirs and ensembles, such as; the Junior Church Choir, the Youth for Christ Choir, Redeemed, and the Young Adult Choir. She served faithfully on the youth usher board, participated in Sunday school, and directed several choirs.
Margo was anointed with the ministry of singing. Her ministry encouraged the broken hearted, gave hope to the hopeless and spoke life into faint situations. Margo was never hesitant in sharing her ministry. She was called upon to sing at numerous events. As on anointed singer, Margo could deliver an entire sermon through a song. She never wavered from wearing a radiant smile, singing with a powerful voice and delivering with an angelic spirit.
Margo was a diligent and accomplished student. While in Calvert County Public Schools she won the Outstanding French Award and traveled to Quebec, Canada. She was a member of the Northern High School (NHS) Honor's Chorus, NHS Gospel Choir, and NHS Chamber Choir. She represented the Northern High School student body as the Student Government Association president and won several awards for her academic achievements. Among these were the Distinguished Scholar Scholarship and the Presidential Academic Fitness Award. She is fondly remembered by teachers and students for her powerful rendition of Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time," sung at her high school graduation.
She graduated with honors from the Calvert County Public School System in 1989 and matriculated into her first-choice school, Hampton University, in the fall of 1989. She resided in the historic Virginia Cleveland Hall during her first year where she mode many friends, as she never met a stranger. In her sophomore year, she was named Ms. University Choir. During her junior year, she served as a resident assistant (RA) at the Trustee House. She exhibited her magnificent vocal prowess while singing in the Concert Choir, the University Choir, and the Gospel Choir which was only surpassed by her truly genuine and loving spirit.
She graduated from Hampton in 1993, having attained a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and having befriended many with her gracious spirit and easy smile. In line with her constant drive and dedication, Margo continued her studies, working toward her Master of Arts degree in International Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Margo met the love of her life, James "Jade" Goggins II in June 1995 after a night service at the original Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church in Washington, DC. It is a sweet and comical story that Jade often tells. After numerous six-hour conversations on the phone, gospel skating dates and church revivals, their friendship blossomed into love. Margo and Jade married on Saturday, November 15, 1997. This ordained union brought forth two beautiful and exceptional children: Mariah and James Goggins Ill. Margo was a proud mother who talked often about her loving children; her precious babies brought her so much joy and laughter.
Margo joined her husband at Greater Morning Star Apostolic Ministries where Bishop Charles E. Johnson considered her a daughter. As on active member, she served The Youth for Christ Choir as Director, The Bishop's Choir as Assistant Director and was a founding member and the first leader of the Praise & Worship Team. When Bishop Johnson established the Apostolic Faith Fellowship International (AFFI), she joined the AFFI Praise Team and the AFFI Celebration Mass Choir. She was on enthusiastic member of Elder Hickman's class and truly enjoyed going to Sunday School each week. Margo was a dedicated servant of God, serving with the saints of Greater Morning Star for over 19 years.
Margo's faith and dedication to service were also reflected in her career choices. After working as a teacher for a short time at Holy Temple Christian Academy in Washington, DC, Margo dedicated herself to public service. She held key positions in the Drug Enforcement Agency, Small Business Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). She was a committed Acting Director of Workforce Planning and Analysis for the VA and faithfully held her post in spite of her health condition.
Margo is survived by her husband, James "Jade" Goggins II of Upper Marlboro, MD; children, Mariah Goggins and James Goggins Ill; parents, Terry and Alice Plater of Sunderland, MD; sisters, Jynel Ralph (Antonio) and Darnisa Plater; brothers, JaMar Plater (Laketta), Jermayne Plater, Terry Plater Jr. (Crisiauna) and Solomon Plater (Changthy); father and mother-in-law James and Deborah Goggins of Fort Washington, MD; sisters-in-law Joy Goggins, Janeen Goggins and Joy's dog, Jozie; nephews and nieces Jalen Ralph (Godson), Kirsten Plater, Dorien Plater, Norah Plater, Aboubacar "Joshua" Magassouba (Godson), Miles Plater, Avoni Plater, Rion Plater and Chess Plater; God-children, Erika Gill, Sierra Leslie, London Wilson, Robert Goldstein III, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and very dear friends.
Margo Plater Goggins will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. She has left the deepest of impressions on the hearts of so many. This powerful sentiment is a tribute to her commitment to holiness and her willingness to trust God and be used for His glory.
