Margaret Ledford

Margaret Johnson Ledford, age 82, of Nebo, slipped away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at The McDowell Hospital.  Born in Avery County, North Carolina on February 26, 1934, she was the daughter of the late William and Auby Cornett Johnson. 

A loving mother, grandmother and sister, Margaret took pride in helping others, and was known for loving everyone she encountered.  She was a member of Mt. Calvary Freewill Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Lon James Ledford, Sr., who was a United States Army/United States  Air Force veteran and served during the Korean War; two daughters, Brenda Kay Ledford and Pamela Gail Christ; and one granddaughter, Kennette Dotson.

Margaret is survived by two daughters, Rowena Ledford Smith (Richard) of Morganton and Debbie Ledford (Mason Pierce) of Shelby; one son, Lon James Ledford, Jr. (Tara) of Pinehurst; one sister, Willa Mae Sluder of Newland; five grandchildren, Matthew McMahan, Caitlin Ledford, Chloe Ledford, Claire Cameron and Lon James Ledford III (Trace); and four great grandchildren, Maddie, Michael, Allie and Annette Dotson.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Freewill Baptist Church with Revs. Rick Wood and Stephen Reeves officiating.  Interment will follow at Cane Creek Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in Bakersville.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to, American Cancer Society, 20 Executive Park, Building 1, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 or by visiting www.cancer.org.