Madge Dunlap Priest
November 6, 2014
Madge Priest of Carthage and Southern Pines died in Pinehurst on Nov. 6, 2014.
A celebration of her life will be held at Crossroads Community Church in Carthage on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 2:00 P.M. with the Rev. David Bibey officiating.
Ruby Madge Dunlap Priest, daughter of James H. Dunlap and Maude Stewart Dunlap, was born on May 23, 1918, near Seagrove. She married W. M. (Bill) Priest on Nov. 2, 1941, and except for the first two years of their marriage, Madge was a lifelong Moore County resident. At the age of 15, she began working in local textile mills; later, she became a waitress and salesperson. She was proud of being the first employee of Russell’s Fish House, and she won several awards for sales during her 25 years as a representative of Electrolux Vacuum Cleaners, including being named Top National Sales Representative in the late 1970s. She also was a Sales Manager for Primerica, Inc.
Madge was known for her creative use of the English language and was a prolific writer of poetry, publishing two volumes of poetry in the 1990s. In May 2014, she was interviewed by the North Carolina Language and Life Project at North Carolina State University. Throughout her life, she enjoyed cooking, singing and studying the Bible. She was a charter member of both the Bible Tabernacle in Southern Pines and Crossroads Community Church in Carthage.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 13 siblings, her husband and two children, Charles William Priest and Miriam Joan Priest.
Madge is survived by a sister, Helen Dunlap Sherrill, of Fayetteville, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as many friends. The family wishes especially to thank Nancy Black, Jean Brady and Phillip Williams for their friendship to and support of Madge that enabled her to live out her life joyously and independently.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM on Monday, November 10, 2014 at Fry and Prickett Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to David Bibey Ministries or Gideons International.
Fry and Prickett Funeral Home in Carthage is serving the family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.pinesfunerals.com .
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Miss Madge will be greatly missed. We know she is rejoiceing with her Lord. And, rocking her two babies Charles and Marion with a big smile on her face. Love and Prayer’s Pat & Tim
Precious Madge,
That is truly who Madge was to me , she was a very precious lady, always smiling and very sweet and kind. Madge will truly be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.
Aunt Madge’ was what we all called her, even though she was our Mother Mary Jane Dunlap Cockman’s first cousin. The name came on down to the next generations as our children and grandchildren came to know and love her. She was an integral part of our fami
Dearest Aunt Madge, I am so sorry to hear of you leaving this world & us behind! I rejoice though to know you are in the loving arms of God! On the wings of angels i know you traveled. Love you!