Magdeline Gupton

“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.”

After 97 years, Magdeline Layton Gupton has heard the words “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” On June 21st, her faith became sight as she entered heaven and saw her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was born in Vance County on December 12, 1928, to Tommy and Cora Layton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Daphine Brown; her husband of 13 years, Jay Gupton; her stepson, Cabot Gupton (Bobbie) and loving nephew, Jeff Cernugel.

Even though she never had any children of her own, her four nieces were like her children. She leaves to cherish her memories, her nieces, Mary Tonya Jackson, Tempie Rowe (Phil), Jessica Fleming (Hunter) and Hope Connor (Scott); along with her stepdaughter, Panthea Pleasants (John); her stepsons, Archie Gupton (Urbanna) and Frank Gupton (Lynn) with their extended families. In total, from great, to great-great-great nieces and nephews, there were 18 that she helped raise and love.

In her 97 years of life, Magdeline was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church, joining in 1941, making her one of the oldest living members. Over many years, she served her Lord and the church in many capacities. She also worked at Taylor’s Department store in downtown Rocky Mount for many years and then Standard Insurance.

A service to honor God and celebrate Magdeline's wonderful life will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Davis-Little Funerals, 2129 Lawrence Circle, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00am. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Magdeline’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church handicapped wheelchair ramp fund (please put this information on the memo line of your check) 505 Englewood Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or UNC Nash Hospice Foundation, 2416 Professional Drive, Rocky Mount, NC, 27804.