Margaret Stegall Dillard

WEAVERVILLE - Margaret S. Dillard was born on June 20, 1919, in Richmond County, NC, the daughter of Jesse S. and Smilie McRorie Stegall. She was the youngest of four sisters and four brothers, which probably helped to develop her exceptional people skills.

Margaret married James H. Dillard, Jr., just prior to the U.S. entering World War II, where he served in the Army. Shortly after moving to Weaverville in 1949, Margaret and Jim joined First Presbyterian Church. They were married for 51 years, but Jim preceded her in death in 1992.

Although Margaret was a widow and had no children of her own, she had a heart for children and supported numerous causes that benefitted them, locally and internationally.

Professionally, Margaret was an executive secretary in Asheville, NC; and she also volunteered numerous times with the American Red Cross. Typically, Margaret often served in the shadows, showing the love of Jesus to many. Regardless of health challenges over the past few years, her solid faith remained vibrant and warm—even at 103 years old. She always welcomed prayer, and was also known as a “prayer warrior” herself.

Margaret is survived by four nieces: Sue Phifer and Judith Dick of Florida; Bobbie Hall and Elaine Stegall of North Carolina; two nephews,  Harold Clark of Florida and Gerald Stegall of North Carolina; and multiple grand nieces and grand nephews.

A memorial service proclaiming the triumphant hope of Christ will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church of Weaverville. Pastor Skip Gillikin and former pastor Samuel B. McGinn will be participating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church (PO Box 247, Weaverville, NC 28787) or to Samaritan’s Purse International Emergency Relief (PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607).