Official Parrot Head, Beach Lover, Artist Extraordinaire, and Nanny Claus Supreme

Margaret Woodine Whitton McGinnis, 71, of Flemingsburg—known far and wide (and most famously at Christmastime) as "Nanny Claus"—passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Saint Joseph Main in Lexington, KY.

Born on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1954, in Lexington, Margaret brought color and charm to every day of her 71 years. She was the daughter of the late Charles Thomas Whitton and the late Allie Hall Whitton McCray.  Throughout her lifetime, Margaret had an eye for beauty, a heart for service, and a flair for fun.

Margaret dabbled in journalism at the Flemingsburg Gazette, kept the smiles coming at Dr. Morehead's dental office, and later kept the books straight at Peoples Bank—all while likely humming a Jimmy Buffett tune (Margaritaville was more than just a state of mind for her—it was a lifestyle). A Parrot Head and beach bum at heart, Margaret could be found with sand between her toes every chance she got, and Buffet lyrics in her soul always.

She was an artist in the truest sense—cross-stitching with precision, making glass art with flair, and appreciating every form of creative expression. Her love for flowers was well-known, and she treated her garden like a canvas, carefully curated and always in bloom.

Margaret had a deep love for cheering on her favorite teams—whether it was the UK Wildcats, the Fleming County Panthers, or #3 on the NASCAR track, the legendary Dale Earnhardt. Her love for sports in general was fierce, and she and Bob attended the KHSAA Boys' Sweet 16 Basketball tournament faithfully every March for more than 30 years.

Margaret loved Christmas, so much so that she and her husband of 53 years, Robert Wayne "Bob" McGinnis, brought Christmas magic to life each year for the past several years as Santa and Nanny Claus, spreading cheer across Fleming County and surrounding communities, with their twinkle-eyed generosity. With a heart bigger than Santa's toy bag, Margaret loved children deeply and made every holiday season feel enchanted.

In the kitchen, Margaret worked culinary wonders—cooking and baking meals and desserts for family and friends.  Margaret loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren, whom she doted on with equal parts pride and pizzazz.

A proud member of Flemingsburg Christian Church, Margaret walked through life with faith, grace, and a servant's heart. She gave selflessly, laughed freely, and loved fiercely.

She is survived by her longtime co-conspirator in kindness and husband, Bob McGinnis; her daughter Mara Allison (Travis) Earlywine of Flemingsburg; her son Taulbee Wayne (Melissa) McGinnis of Buellton, California; and her four adored grandchildren—Carys Hall Earlywine, Benjamin Reed Earlywine (both of Flemingsburg), Giszelle R. Hrehor of Long Beach, California, and Mac Taulbee McGinnis of Buellton, California. Her loyal canine sidekick, Eviee, will surely be looking for her around the Christmas tree.

She's also survived by her sister Charlene Cole, her brother Skip McCray, and a big extended family of relatives, friends, and honorary grandchildren who felt like they belonged in her heart—because they did.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Allie, and her beloved grandparents Wood and Inas Hall.

A celebration of Margaret's wonderfully whimsical life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Flemingsburg Christian Church, with Pastor Randy Fritz and Pastor Marty Voiers officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, May 30, at the church (201 East Water Street, Flemingsburg, KY 41041).

In lieu of flowers (although she did love them!), please consider a donation in Margaret's memory to Santa's Helpers Scholarship Fund (C/O Peoples Bank, 106 S Main Cross, Flemingsburg, KY 41041) or to Flemingsburg Christian Church, where her giving spirit lives on.

Boone-Nickell Funeral Home is honored to care for Margaret and her family.

And as Margaret would probably say: "It's five o'clock somewhere, y'all—go love big, laugh often, and never miss a beach sunset."

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com.