May 11, 2025, 83, Goldsboro —

With profound sorrow and empathy, the staff and management of Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors join with the Kornegay and connected families to announce the earthly departure of Ms. Margaret Kornegay, 83.

Margaret Coley Kornegay, born on March 16, 1942, in Wayne County, NC, to the beloved John R. Coley and Essie Mae Best Coley, made her transition from this life on May 11, 2025, at Wilson Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Wilson, NC.

Margaret was truly the heart, soul and rock of her family, celebrated for her incredible resilience and unwavering strength. To all who knew her, she was a source of wise counsel and comfort, leaving a lasting impact on everyone around her.

She received her education in Wayne County Public Schools and later devoted herself to her work at Kemp Furniture, where she spent most of her career, pouring her dedication and passion into everything she did.

Though Margaret was preceded in death by her dear siblings—Christine, James Earl, Larry, and Johnny Coley, as well as her son-in-law Milton Lane Jr.—her legacy lives on vibrantly.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Annie Lane, along with her two granddaughters, Tomeka Coley Barnes (Marcus) and Tierra Lane Smith (Eric). Margaret was especially proud of her five great-grandchildren: Nakhary, Nakira, Tanaria, De Nyric, and Kwamek Smith. Her family also includes her cherished nephew, Tyquan Taylor (Tarrah), and her siblings, Lucille Jones (Leamon), Charles Ray Coley (Charlotte), and Joseph Coley. She leaves behind a wonderful sister-in-law, Sandra Coley, a god-granddaughter, Robyn White, a god-grandson, Quinton Horne, and a large family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

Services of Love & Compassionate Care have been entrusted to Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors and Cremations, LLC.