December 26, 2021, 97, Goldsboro –
Margaret Waters Willoughby, 97, passed through the gates of Heaven on Sunday, December 26, 2021. Margaret was born in Wayne County, North Carolina to the late Marvin E. Waters, Sr. and Flossie Aldridge Waters on July 31, 1924. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mirt Wilson Willoughby, Sr.; son, Mirt Wilson “Butch” Willoughby, Jr.; and brothers, Kenneth Waters and Marvin Waters, Jr.
Living a life of devotion to others, Margaret spent her days serving family and neighbors. An integral part of the Rosewood community, she loved the life she and her husband created there for her family when they married on December 28, 1941. Excellently skilled in maintaining the home, her family depended on her for the comfort and care she so adequately gave. Sharing time with friends, she served as the secretary for the Rosewood Extension Homemakers Club.
Working alongside her husband, Margaret kept the financial records and maintained payroll for her husband’s business, Industrial Electric Company. Ensuring that her family never went lacking, she even spent a period of time working in Charles’ Store while her husband was transitioning between jobs.
Remembered by many for her graciousness and generosity, Margaret often delivered to the homebound and others she loved, most especially around the holidays. Offering only the best care and compassion, Margaret lovingly attended to the needs of her father, mother, and mother-in-law in their final days.
Enjoying the beauty of God’s nature, Margaret spent many hours in solitude caring for her flower gardens. Pruning, clipping, and weeding were all necessary components to keep an immaculate garden, and she gladly completed each task.
As a devoted member of The First Pentecostal Holiness Church, Margaret served in the ladies prayer group, visitation committee, faithful member of the choir and in various women’s ministries. She was truly a devoted Christian and the life she led displayed her deep love of the Lord. Receiving a miracle from her Lord when she survived breast cancer, she was always sure to give Him the glory for her healing.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at The First Pentecostal Holiness Church followed by a service to celebrate the Christian life of Margaret at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Bill Rose and Bishop Jim Whitfield will officiate. Interment will be in Pine Forest United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Margaret is survived by her son David E. and Lisa Willoughby of Goldsboro; daughter Peggy W. and Brantley Martin of Oakwood, GA; granddaughter, Evie M. Myers and Max of Cleveland, GA; great-grandson, Austin Barrera of Cleveland, GA; and brothers, Billy H. and Gwen Waters of Jacksonville, and Thomas R. “Tommy” Waters of Raleigh.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given to The First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1100 The First Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
