Margie Lee Lucille Parker Brantley

ROCKY MOUNT – Margie Lee Lucille Parker Brantley, age 90, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026.  Born in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, on May 12, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Calip Parker, Jr. and Gladys Mae Joyner Parker. She was the granddaughter of Sallie Williams Joyner and Buddie James Joyner, and Lucy (Lula) Rose Parker and Arthur Caleb Parker, Sr. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Lendo Brantley.

Margie graduated from Rocky Mount High School in 1955 and from Parkview Hospital School of Nursing in 1962. She began her career as a Registered Nurse at Parkview Hospital and later served at Nash General Hospital. Continuing her lifelong commitment to serving her country, she joined the United States Air Force in 1968, where she became a commissioned officer following Officer Candidate School. She then completed the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine and served as a Flight Nurse until her retirement and honorable discharge from the Air Force Reserve in 1977.

Committed to lifelong learning, Margie earned her Bachelor of Science in Professional Arts from Saint Joseph’s College in Maine in 1987. She later obtained several additional professional certifications and ultimately earned a Master of Arts in Education from East Carolina University. Alongside her nursing career, Margie also served as a Health Occupations Education teacher and coordinator of the Drug-Free Schools Program for the Rocky Mount Public School System.

Throughout her life, Margie remained actively involved in numerous civic and professional organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, Phi Delta Kappa, the North Carolina Genealogical Society, Delta Kappa Gamma – Eta State – Mu Chapter, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy – Bethel Heroes Chapter No. 636, where she also served as a former Vice President of her chapter. She was recognized by the American Red Cross and the Special Olympics for her extensive volunteer service.

A devout Catholic and woman of deep faith, Margie was a longtime member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. She had a passion for genealogy and was an avid collector of Hallmark Christmas ornaments, Beanie Babies, and lapel pins. She was known for being meticulously organized in every aspect of her life.  A devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many, Margie will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Margie is survived by her son, Jerry Lendo “Len” Brantley, Jr. and his wife, Linda; her grandchildren, Caleb, Griffin, and McKenna; her brother, James Parker; her niece and nephew, Lou Ellen Brademan (Royce) and Brian Parker (Debbie); her great-nieces and great-nephews, Cole, Olin, Brooke, and Eleanor Gayle; her godson, Andy Newcomb (Kim); and several extended family members and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Margie’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Father Paul Nicholas Cottrill officiating.  Interment will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.   A Rosary will be recited at 7:40 PM during the visitation at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of UNC Nash Hospital for the compassionate and excellent care they provided during Margie’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Margie’s memory to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

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