Margaret Helton Hatley

Margaret Helton Hatley of Hudson passed from this life into the presence of Jesus and loved ones on Tuesday, May 30, after an almost year- long battle with brain cancer. She was born May 7, 1948 to the late Clyde Obern Helton and Mary Burns Helton. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Reinhold, and sister-in-law, Marie "Lib" Underdown.

Margaret was a member of Heavenly Hope Baptist Church, and she loved her church family. She especially enjoyed singing in the choir, and took great joy in sharing eggs from the chickens she kept with her church family. She worked for many years in retail management.

Margaret is survived by her husband of 38 years, Robert Hatley of the Home; sister Wanda White of Gamewell; brother Clarence Helton of Gamewell; brother-in-law Don Reinhold of Lenoir; nephews Jason Dollar of Icard, Lance Reinhold of Lenoir, Joseph Helton of Rutherford College, and Chris Helton of Lenoir; and nieces Kimberly Dollar of Charlotte, Julia Nelson Baker of California, Kathy Hoyle of Lenoir and Jeanna Berry of Cary.

Margaret fought her cancer with grace, courage and above all faith. Never complaining, she was always able to manage a smile. Helping her through the final months with love and compassion were her caregivers; Joyce Roberts of Granite Falls, Sara Smith of Granite Falls and sister in law Nancey Hatley of Hudson. Also bringing encouragement and cheer were special friends Sue and Harry Graham, who sent so mahy lovely handmade cards and brought weekly meals and fellowship and Karen Bentley who was always ready to lend a hand wherever it was needed and to brighten Margaret's day with the frosty she so enjoyed. The family would also like to acknowledge the immeasurable support they received from Caldwell Hospice and Palliative CAre.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:00 pm on Friday, June 2 at Antioch Baptist Church in Morganton, with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Those wishing to make memorial donations may direct them to either Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645, or Heavenly Hope Baptist Church, P>O> Box 631, Hudson NC 28638.