Margaret Louise Perdue Jessup

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 30, 2017, at Hanes Lineberry Funeral Service, Lineberry Center, 515 North Elm Street. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3901 Forest Lawn Drive.

Margaret was born January 8, 1927, in Guilford County, NC daughter of the late William H. and Janie Smith Perdue.

Margaret was known to many as a nurse, to others as an accomplished potter, and to some as an avid gardener and grower of succulents that are still thriving after her death. For years she was a fixture in the nursery at Jessup Grove Baptist Church, rejoicing in the company of infants and children.

Margaret was very proud of her alma mater, the Leaksville School of Nursing, from which she graduated in 1948. Her friends and family were familiar with her favorite nursing stories, especially the baby “born in the veil.” Her nursing career included positions as Piedmont Memorial Hospital, Moses Cone, and volunteering with the American Red Cross as well as various schools that her children attended. After leaving her career to raise a family she continued nursing many in the community giving allergy shots to neighbors and friends saving them trips to the doctor, visiting the elderly and giving medical advice to all who asked. Even at 90 years old she was there to give daily care to her sister Ruth.

Margaret was a founding member of the Mud Daubers Pottery Guild. Many of her family and friends still have one of her famous “chicken pots” which she always formed by hand foregoing the use of a potters wheel giving it her easily recognizable signature look.

The trait that characterized Margaret the most would be her great desire to be of help to others. It was placed there by God and could be seen in her chosen profession of nursing, years of volunteer work, love and care she gave elderly parents, husband and sister when they became ill, as well as the financial help she gave to many some of which have only come to light in recent years. All point to a woman whose life revolved around sacrificing for others.

Despite her fiercely independent nature, Margaret found that she was happy to be included in her sister’s household during recovery from abdominal surgery where she was able to spend her last months among family and friends.

One thing can be said of Margaret’s life is that she finished well. She left a legacy of generosity and love for her fellowman that will be hard to replace, enriching the life of any who were fortunate enough to know her.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth David Jessup, son David Jessup Jr., and siblings Bill Perdue and Virginia Bennett. Cherishing her memory is her sister Ruth Jessup of Greensboro, her daughters Lynn Jessup of Greensboro, Teresa Reed of Pittsboro, and Donna Cathey and husband Alec of High Point. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Wyatt Smith of Greensboro, Carson Smith of Nashville, TN, Erin Reed of Pittsboro and Emily Reed of Raleigh. In addition are numerous beloved nephews and nieces and her faithful caregiver for the last year.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Margaret’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army, 1311 South Eugene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401.