Mrs. Marguerite Dobbins Garner, age 89, of the Deep River Community, Sanford, NC, died Saturday, September 9, 2017 at her home.

She was born in Rutherford County, NC on April 25, 1928 to the late Kenneth Miller Dobbins and Nellie Robertson Dobbins.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother Lt. Col. Robert Stanley Dobbins.  Marguerite was a graduate of UNC-Greensboro (formerly, Women’s College of Greensboro) and taught Home Economics for the Rutherford, Marion and Lee Counties.  After retiring, she owned and operated Rainbow’s End Card and Gift Shop in Downtown Sanford for over 20 years.  She also served as President for the Downtown Business Association.

Along with her family, Marguerite was an active member of Flat Springs Baptist Church. She served as the church’s choir director for close to 10 years and served as the youth leader.  She was a past president of the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) for the church.

She is survived by her husband of over 66 years, Fred Hubert Garner, Sr.; son Fred Hubert Garner, Jr. and wife Barbara Jean of Cary; daughters Annell Wilkie-Almand and husband Barry of Wilmington, Cindy Garner Bryan and husband Jack Bryan, Jr. of Deep River; grandchildren Matt and Stephanie Garner, Keith Garner, Lauren and Charlie Beaver, Craig and Melissa Wilkie, Kristina and Richard Cutter, Jacob Logan, Andrew Wilkie, Jonathon and Constance Nowell, Amanda Nowell, Raven and Mike Santucci and Patrick and Marybeth Bryan and great-grandchildren Melinda, Emerson, Gray, Caleb, Branson, Audrey, Alliyah, Seth, Dylan, Reese, Jayden and Michael.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Flat Springs Baptist Church with Dr. Gary McCollough officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the services and at other times at the family home.

Memorials may be made to the choir program at Flat Springs Baptist Church. 4148 Deep River Road, Sanford, NC 27330.

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