Mrs. Margaret Etta Pass

Margaret Etta Haygood Pass

Margaret Haygood Pass, affectionately known to her children and grandchildren as “Momma, Mor-three, Rehtom, and Hey-My-Baby” was born on December 10, 1941, in Greensboro, North Carolina to the late Rebecca and Lee Haygood. She often reflected fondly on her parents, sharing stories of her mother’s sweet voice singing “I’ll Be a Friend to Jesus” and her father’s amusing debates over whether the family name should be spelled “Haygood” or “Hagood.” Though the debate still lingers today, Margaret’s heart and faith spoke louder than any name could.

As a child, Margaret attended Jacksonville Elementary School and James B. Dudley High School. She remained proud of her Dudley roots and even in her adulthood, lit up at the sound of the marching band.

In 1958, at a young age, Margaret married her sweetheart, Joe, after he rehearsed with a quartet at her mother’s house and serenaded his way into her heart. Their love was real, long, and 58 years strong. Their plan to have seven boys resulted in six wonderful children: four sons and two daughters. Their wedding certificate, officially signed by Bishop Wyoming Wells with Mary Wells and Claudia Hunt as witnesses, became a treasured family keepsake. So did Joe, who quickly became one of Rebecca Haygood’s favorite sons-in-law.

As a teenager, Margaret joined Wells Temple on Small Street under the leadership of the late Bishop Wyoming Wells. After the church moved to Asheboro Street, she became the youth choir director and trained them up to become the “Baddest Youth Choir in North Carolina”. She was tough, loving, and hilariously no-nonsense: if you didn’t sing with conviction, she would sit the whole choir down mid-song. And everyone loved her for it. From Wells Temple to Wells Memorial, Margaret was faithful to the prayer sessions and was a dedicated member of the celestial choir. The first song she led in the church choir was Sam Cooke’s “Be With Me Jesus” and she never stopped singing His praises. She loved the hymn “He Hideth My Soul”. She stirred the church as she sang under the powerful anointing “Order My Steps.” That song never failed to lift her devoted husband of 58 years, the late Joe Pass, Sr., to his feet in admiration.

Margaret believed deeply in giving, especially through her tithes, which she saw as a sacred agreement with God to provide for her family. She welcomed others into their home, sometimes entire families, a spirit of caring that will continue to live through her children. Her home overflowed with faith, fun, and food. From outdoor movies and scripture recitals to tea parties and singing around the piano, she made her house the place to be. Her kitchen played a big part in her ministry as many were drawn to the house to partake in her famous pinto beans, chicken, and biscuits. But once the plates were full and hearts were open, she would gently seize the opportunity to pour into young lives by sharing the good news and love of Jesus Christ. Her children cherish the memories of running the neighborhood store from their home, where local kids would knock on the door early in the morning, eager to buy candy, ice cream, and ice cream cupcakes. She also extended her generosity beyond her own neighborhood, packing coolers with hot dogs for her children to deliver to the dormitories at night on the campus of NC A&T State University. Her love for music shone as she gathered local youth around her piano, teaching them songs for the church choir. In every way, her ministry was steady and strong, filling hearts with warmth and togetherness. She would often gather her children around the living room to share in a movie starring her favorite actress, Betty Davis, especially the movie “Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte”. She also loved the movie, “Mommie Dearest” starring Faye Dunaway. Her children will always remember the nights listening to the vinyl record of the story “The Hitchhiker” by Lucelle Fletcher. Margaret’s adventurous side led her to become a VIPS (Volunteer in Police Services) with the Guilford County Sheriff's Office and her love for travel took her on a three-day trip to Nevada where she enjoyed a stop by the Hoover Dam.

Throughout her life, Margaret held various jobs that shaped her journey, including the Oaks Motel, Jokers 3, McAdeen’s Dry Cleaners, and finally Guilford County Transportation, where she made her mark as a beloved school bus driver. Her friendships, however, were deeply rooted in her faith and church family. Among those closest to her were Loretta Cook, Syretha Lawson, Panessa Turner, Lue Belle Lawson, who also worked alongside her as her bus assistant, and her dear friend and matron-of-honor, Margaret “Pinky” Golden, with whom she shared a lifelong bond.

Margaret’s deep and steadfast prayer life was the wellspring of her strength and courage. It was through her quiet conversations with God that she found the resilience to face every cancer challenge with grace, every heartbeat with unwavering faith, and every disappointment with a heart full of hope. She fought the good fight of faith and has now been received into God’s embrace, welcomed as His good and faithful servant.

Margaret leaves behind a legacy of love in the hearts of her six children: Joe (Maria) of Greensboro; Falandius (Tonya) of Chesapeake, VA; Darryl (Daun) of Crystal, MI; April (Gregory) of Greensboro; Angel (Barry) of Greensboro; and James “Wy” of Greensboro. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy. She is also survived by her beloved brother, Elmer Haygood, and two dear sisters, Marie Chapman and Zenobia Barnes; and her sister-in-law, Jasmine Ford. A host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and friends join in cherishing her memory and celebrating a life well-lived.

More than anything, Margaret will be remembered as the revered matriarch of the entire Haygood family; a guiding light, a prayer warrior, a faith-filled believer of miracles, and the heart that held generations together.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday October 31, 2025 at Wells Memorial Church of God in Christ, 1001 East Washington St. Greensboro, NC 27401 officiated by the Reverend Dr. Herman G. Platt. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Guilford Memorial Park Cemetery.