Margaret Brown Carpenter

ROCKY MOUNT – Margaret Brown Carpenter, 100, passed away to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the home of her daughter.

She was born in Greenville, SC on December 5, 1924, the youngest child of Haywood F. Brown and Olivia Rainey Brown.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, C. E. “Mac” Carpenter; her sisters, Rachael Wilkerson and Hazel Brown; her brother, Eugene Brown; and a nephew, Jeffrey Brown.

The family moved to Burgaw, NC when she was a young child.  After graduating from Pender County High School she worked in nearby Wilmington, NC where she met Mac, the love of her life.  They were married March 8, 1944, and remained together for 53 years until his death in 1997.

After Mac’s job brought them to Rocky Mount, both Margaret and Mac quickly became involved in church and charitable activities.  They joined First Baptist Church and later became Charter Members of Lakeside Baptist Church, where both remained active as long as health permitted.

After her daughters grew older, Margaret accepted the position of church secretary at Lakeside and served in that role for 25 years.  She was a dedicated supporter of Shriner’s Hospitals for Children and served in leadership positions of the Rocky Mount Shrinettes, The Eastern Star, and served as First Lady of both Sudan Temple and The South Atlantic Shrine Association.

Margaret was a gracious woman with deep faith, a loving heart, and a friendly smile for everyone she met.  She had a quick wit that was apparent well into her latest illness.  She loved simple things – animals, birds, and even those pesky little squirrels that destroyed her flowers.  She was always happy in her yard tending her flowers and raking leaves, and at the Lake Gaston house she and Mac built together.

Left on earth to love and cherish her memories are her daughters and families: Jo Webb and Bobby, and Jill Ward and William.  She was known as Muzzie, Mue, and Muh to her grandchildren: Dean Webb (Belinda Robbins), Greg Webb, Paige Ashman (Dave), Brandon Ward, and Marshall Ward (Ashley).

She was also loved by great-grandchildren: Lane Butler, Ashley Webb, Carson Ashman, Olivia Ashman, Maddie Ward, and Brittany Robinson (Darryl); and great-great grandchildren: Zoey and Jaxon Robinson. She was Aunt Maggie to special nieces and nephews, Jim Wilkerson (Dr. Judy Wilkerson), Julia Chelstowski (Mike), Dr. Rae Brown (Dr. Cathy Brown); Kim Farmer (Tommy), and Laura Carpenter Bingham (Warren).

A Funeral Service to celebrate Margaret’s life will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Lakeside Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Dr. Jody Wright, Rev. Elizabeth Edwards, and Dr. Libby Grammer officiating.  Visitation will follow service in the Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building until 12:30 PM.

A private family entombment will be held at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Annette Robbins and Jackie Howell, who have provided loving care for our mother and support for us all during the past 15 months; and to Dr. David Browder, Janice Davenport, RN, and the Gentiva Hospice team who provided care, comfort and guidance during her last days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Margaret’s memory to Lakeside Church, Landscape Fund, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 950 West Farris Road, Greenville, SC  29605.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.