Jean "Doodle" Johnson Gurganus

RALEIGH – Jean “Doodle” Johnson Gurganus, age 90, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026.  Born in Nash County, NC on October 30, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Fred Ervin Johnson and Edna Elaine Taylor Johnson.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, David Roscoe Gurganus, Sr. and her brothers, Bennie Ray Johnson and Donnie Johnson.

A Rocky Mount native, Jean (“Doodle” as she was affectionally known) was a graduate of Rocky Mount Senior High before moving to Roanoke Rapids where she raised her family for 60 years.  She retired from BB&T Bank in Roanoke Rapids after many years of dedication and loyalty.  During her professional banking career, Doodle was a former president of the Roanoke Rapids Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) organization.  Blessed with a servant’s heart, she was a long-time member of Rosemary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids, past Leader of her church’s Couples Sunday school class where she also sang in the church choir, a former leader of Lottie Moon Missionary Support, volunteered with the Woman’s Missionary Union of North Carolina (WMU NC), and remained active in both supporting and volunteering in her community for Families in Need and First Responders with preparing many BBQ plate fundraisers. In addition, she was always willing to offer her time and talents for other various civic organizations.  A devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many, Doodle will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Doodle is survived by her sons, David Roscoe Gurganus, Jr. (Sheila) of Morehead City, Michael Scott Gurganus (Jessica) of Richmond, VA, and Brian Fred Gurganus (Mary) of Raleigh; her grandchildren Maxwell Gurganus, Benjamin Gurganus (Sarah), Christine Gurganus Stallings (Mark), Amelia Gurganus, Patrick Gurganus, Daniel Gurganus, and Margie Ann Gurganus; her brother, Ronnie Johnson; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dearest friends.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Doodle’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with her nephew, Rev. Richard Gurganus officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doodle’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina, 5171 Glenwood Ave., Suite 101, Raleigh, NC  27612.

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.