Margaret "Jean" Gurganus, 86 years of age, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

Funeral service for Jean will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 5th at Carlisle Funeral Home with the Reverend Johnny Hendricks officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday night from 6:00-8:00 PM at Carlisle Funeral Home.

She was born in Nash County on February 12, 1936 to Thelma Spivey Carter and Elvira "BC" Carter.

She was preceded in death by her parents Elvira Carter, Thelma Strickland and her step-father Bob Strickland; her sister Carolyn Janelle Price and Brother John Jerry Carter.

She is survived by her son Keith "Moose" Hale and wife Vickie; daughter Jeannie Carolyn Hale and Kenneth Cobb; sister Patsy Butler and husband Roy; grandchildren: David Boyd and wife Ashley, Nicole Doughtie and husband Dusty; Miranda and Will Hale; great-grandchildren: Kegan Boyd, Katelyn, Brody and Karly Hannah, Wade Doughtie and Baby Doughtie on the way,  Pamela, Frankie, Makayla and Marissa Lee, Jerry Butler, Mackenzie Butler and Trey Butler, Billy and Jimbo Price, Scoot and Bobby Carter; many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. Also, several amazing friends (family) Carolyn Hilbourne, Barbara Walston, Margie Rogister, Ellen Clark, Barbara Williams, Angelene Perry, Rozina Whitehead and Deborah Battle.

Jean had a sweet, loving spirit and she never met a stranger. Her favorite profession was being a Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. The center of her life was Jesus and her family. She always made sure others came first. A lot of people know her as a "fighter".

Jean faced many battles throughout her lifetime but she overcame each trial leaving her a stronger person each and every time. We know her as dependable and our safe place no matter the time of day or situation, she was always there with a kind loving heart to listen and love. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her faith was unwavering. Jean got great enjoyment from music but especially songs of Faith. Those who knew her loved her even if it had only been for a short period of time. She had faithful friends, neighbors and caregivers. She will truly be missed by those she leaves behind but we take comfort in knowing that she is basking in the Light of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in her Heavenly Home. Heaven has gained another special Angel.

The family will receive friends at other times at 2004 Lydia Drive, Tarboro, NC 27886.