Margaret Garren

Margaret B. Garren, a life-long resident of Transylvania County, went to her heavenly home on March 12, 2020.  She was the daughter of the late Ralph and Julia Johnson Benson of Brevard. She grew up in Brevard and was a graduate of Brevard High School.  She is preceded in death by her husband Roy, her parents, Ralph and Julia Benson, and two brothers, Joe and Johnny Benson.

She married the love of her life, John Roy Garren of Brevard, on December 24, 1952. They had over sixty-five beautiful years together. Margaret was the loving mother to two blessed daughters, Lynn G. Bump (Gregg) of Cumming, GA and Dianne G. Myers of Tryon, NC.

She is survived by her children, one sister Linda B. Peeples (Paul) of Brevard, two brothers Doug (Martha) of Pensacola, FL, and Mike (Debbie) of Cumming, GA. Margaret also leaves behind four grandchildren, Kenny Bump of Phoenix, AZ, Julie B. Fenske (Ben) of Suwanee, GA, Jessica Myers-Murphy (Patrick) of Clovis, NM, and Will Myers of Greer, SC.  Margaret was also the proud great-grandmother of Charlotte and Bodie Fenske of Suwanee, GA. and Chloe Murphy of Clovis, NM.

Margaret was a strong, determined woman. She was steadfast in her loyalty to the Lord, her family, her friends, and both her community and country. She was an avid volunteer for many city and county functions.

After marrying Roy, Margaret worked for a short time at a local bank, prior to joining the data processing department at DuPont. It was at DuPont that Margaret went on to work for thirty years where she earned the position of Data Processing Supervisor. After thirty years at DuPont, Margaret retired; however, she wasn’t finished working. She earned her real estate broker’s license and spent the next twenty plus years becoming one of the top producing brokers in Western North Carolina. One of her greatest accomplishments was becoming the primary agent for the Eagle Lake Estates. Not only did she sell many lots and homes here, she also chose Eagle Lake as her primary residence. She began her real estate career with Coldwell Banker, Mike Meany and Associates was next, followed by Steve Owens, and ending with the opening her own office Pisgah Real Estate.

In addition to her work, Margaret spent her life giving back to her community. She served 10 years on the Brevard City Council, was a member of the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club, the Brevard Jaycettes, The Brevard Business and Professional Women’s Club, and a lifelong member of the Eastern Star. Margaret was a member of First Baptist Church of Brevard, for over 65 years.

Margaret enjoyed life. She loved her work and treasured her family and friends. Margaret and her husband Roy loved to travel. They were avid ballroom dancers and belonged to several dance clubs throughout the year. One of her favorite dances was the jitterbug.

It is with sincere gratitude the family wishes to thank Sandra Sheppard, Lynn Mixon, and Angie Grimmett for their loving and compassionate care during the past months. We would also like to thank the staff at Tore’s Home #7, a special thank you to Anita, Sandy, and Alicia.

The family wishes to also thank Care Partners Hospice for its care, and support during this time. Special thanks to Alex, Tenille, Maria, Denise, Amanda, and Debra for your excellent care and compassion. Many thanks to First Baptist Church and Margaret’s Sunday School Class for remembering her with prayers, cards, gifts, and visits throughout these past years. Special thanks to Nick Bearden for his concern and special roses which brightened Margaret’s Valentine’s Day. Many thanks also to those friends and family members who have been so faithful to visit and remember Margaret in your prayers; the family is eternally grateful.

Funeral Services for Margaret Garren will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2020 in the chapel of Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations with grandson Kenneth Bump leading the time of celebration and remembrance of Margaret’s life. Interment will follow at Gillespie-Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to: Alzheimer’s Association of Western North Carolina, 31 College Place Suite Doppler 103, Asheville, NC 28801 or online at the website: alz.org.

To leave a condolence for the family of Margaret Garren, please visit "obituaries" at www.moorefh.com.

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is caring for the family.