Margaret Ailene Garner

Margaret Ailene Garner, 95, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

A funeral service to honor Ailene’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 27th at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Wesley Holmes. Interment will follow at Amariah Garner Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Margaret, lovingly known as Ailene, was born on March 1, 1929, in Newport, NC, to the late James Luther and Blanche Garner. She graduated from Newport High School with the Class of 1947 and later furthered her education by completing a commercial bookkeeping course in Morehead City in 1957.

Ailene dedicated much of her life to serving others through her work. She spent over 9 years at Newport Tractor and Equipment Company before transitioning to the Newport Post Office, where she devoted 24 years of faithful service. Starting as a Clerk at the Post Office and retired as Assistant Postmaster. What she valued most about her role was the opportunity to meet the wonderful people of Newport, she knew most by name and greeted everyone with a smile and a friendly word of encouragement. Ailene considered it a true blessing and joy to work for the public sector which spanned a remarkable 33 years, a true testament to her dedication and work ethic.

Surrounded by numerous friends, Ailene cherished the enduring relationships she cultivated throughout her life. She often commented about the faithfulness of these precious connections over the years.

Ailene loved the Lord, and her life was a true testament to her faith. She found comfort and strength within her church family, faithfully attending Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church and later St. James United Methodist Church whenever health allowed.

Throughout her life, Ailene supported numerous local and national charities and her kindness was seen through each gift she gave. She selflessly gave her time and support to loved ones in need.

In her free time, Ailene took great pleasure in gardening and working in her yard. Her green thumb was evident in the numerous plants and beautiful flowers that she surrounded herself with.

More than anything, Ailene loved her family and valued the precious relationships she had with each of them, celebrating their accomplishments and keeping those connections vibrant. She remembered everyone’s birthday and sent numerous cards, encouraging loved ones with her love and pride for each of them.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her loving daughter, Diane Robinson and husband Bill; grandson, Rob Robinson and wife Ann-Marie; two great-granddaughters, Jacqueline Arthur and husband Chris, and Allison Robinson; nieces, Donna Sue Thomas, Teresa Purcell, Elizabeth-Ann Garner, and Pam Rose; and nephew, David Walton Garner. 

In addition to her parents, Ailene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Artis Barker Garner in 2007; brothers, James Roscoe Garner and Macon Garner along with his wife Ann; and niece, Christy Avery.

In lieu of flowers, Ailene asked that you say a kind word or do a kind deed for someone in need, which was a true reflection of her heart and love for others.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.