Margaret Lanier Whitehead

Elm City -

Margaret Lanier Faircloth Whitehead, age 101, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Her journey began in Edgecombe County on December 2, 1920, the seventh child of William and Martha Worrell Lanier. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Norwood B. "Jim" Faircloth and William Whitehead; sisters, Zillie Proctor, Minnie Marshall, Nannie Mae Webb, Josephine Pittman and Mary Walston; brothers, Phillip Lanier, Marvin Lanier, and Roy Lanier; and sons-in-law, Ed Pittman and Donnie Hearne. She is survived by one sister, Doris Todd of Elm City. 

She leaves behind a lifetime of treasured memories for her daughters, Gloria F. Pittman, Mary Ann F. Hearne and Paula F. Owens (Wayne); grandchildren, Matthew Pittman (Laura), Marc Pittman (Lauren), Joshua Hearne (Kelly), and Melissa Alexander (Mike); and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Pittman, Jesse Pittman, Kate Pittman, Anna-Grace Pittman, Maren Hair and Jarrett Hearne. 

Margaret’s 101 years were filled with a strong love for her Lord Jesus Christ, her family, her church and Elm City. She did not shy away from responsibility or duty as her many titles show. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a tobacco bench hand, seamstress, beautician and salesman. She retired first as co-owner of the Elm City Beauty Shop and then as Penney’s Store Associate. Margaret volunteered her time and talents to teach Sunday School, coordinate Keenagers, support missions, serve on various church committees, visit the sick and serve the American Legion and women’s auxiliary.

She was a loyal friend to many and always enjoyed being with her Red Hat Ladies and card playing friends. As she aged, she continued to make new friends, many from across the jigsaw puzzle table. One of her greatest roles was as a teacher of faith, patience, perseverance and strength.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at 3HC for their incredible care and dignity afforded our mother in her last year, Compassionate Care Solutions for a very special caregiver and DeLois Davis for many years of care.

 A  service will be held on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 11:00AM at Elm City Missionary Baptist Church, 206 W Wilson St., Elm City, NC. Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery, Rocky Mount. The family will receive friends Sunday, November 6, 2022 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at Elm City Missionary Baptist Church and other times at the home. 

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations to Elm City Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 667, Elm City, NC, 27822, 3HC at http://www.3hc.org/donate/ or the charity of your choice are also appreciated.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Lanier Whitehead, please visit our floral store.