Margaret Hampton Long Greene, age 94

Margaret Hampton Long Greene, age 94, of Rutherfordton, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, January 27, 2015.

She was born in Rutherford County the 20th day of December, 1920, the oldest of three surviving children to Audrey Hampton Long and Mattie Lee Long. Mrs. Greene graduated from Mt. Vernon High School and attended Brevard College.

She inspected cloth at Spindale Mills, was a waitress and office clerk at Isothermal Motel and Restaurant. Margaret and her husband Wilbur built and operated Greene’s Nursing Home, the first nursing home in Rutherford County, which is now White Oak Manor of Rutherfordton.

Margaret was the longest living member of Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church. She was a life time member of the United Methodist Women, was a dedicated and faithful choir member, an avid bridge player and a master gardener. Her award winning iris were known throughout the county and she gladly shared these. She loved making flower arrangements and decorating wreaths for family and friends. Margaret faithfully and fiercely fought cancer since 1952. She didn’t die with it, she lived with it. She loved her Lord and family above all.

Mrs. Greene was preceded in death by her parents Audrey and Lee Long; husband Wilbur Lee Greene Sr. and son Wilbur Lee Greene Jr.; brother Marks Lee (Buddy) Long; sister Martha Louise Powers.

She is survived by her daughter, Martha Lynn  and son in law Ray Doggett; special grandson Kelly Greene; daughter-in-law Pam Brazile Greene; sister-in-law Jeannie  Long; five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

A celebration of life service was held at Mt. Hebron UMC, Hudlow Road, Forest City, NC with Rev. Dennis Tomlinson officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Centennial-Mt. Hebron United Methodist Women, c/o Imogene Hodge, 3111 Hudlow Road, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.

Crowe’s Mortuary is serving the family.