Margaret Linda Zealy

DURHAM, NC: Margaret Linda Zealy, 67, died unexpectedly Saturday in Duke Hospital. A native of Savannah, she was the daughter of the late Margaret Mildred Monee and Aloysius Jones Zealy. She attended Sacred Heart and St. Vincent's Academies in Savannah, after which she received an associate's degree from Armstrong College. After marriage Margaret started her family in Savannah. She then lived briefly in Charleston prior to settling in Lincolnton, NC in 1979. Margaret was on the staff of Crowell Hospital in Lincolnton for many years. She returned to academics and received a B.A. degree in social work from East Carolina Uneersity. A Durham resident since 1999, Margaret began working as a social worker with NC Partnership for Children, and throughout her career was passionee about the needs and challenges of children. Her most recent work was with Exchange Club's Family Center of Durham County, initially as an administrative assistant and at the time of her death, Executive Director. Margaret neer met a stranger. She was a consummate "people person" always stepping outside of herself to show attention and kineess to anyone ineer presence. While she had a soft heart and keeneensitivity, Margaret was determined, fearless, bright and resourceful. As her family said, "she loved to have a good time. The dishes could wait." Margaret's grandchildreneere the light of her life. She was their "Bubbe" as she was to many other adopted grandchildren. Surviving are her children, Robin Williams Harper and husband, James, of Durham; Patrick Williams and wife, Kristy, of Lincolnton; and Jason Williams and wife, Dana of Cary; her grandchildren, Jessica aneemily Harper, Zealy and Delaney Williams, and Benjamin, Samuel, Cora and Jacob Williams. Also surviving are Carole Williams and partner, Evie Williams, and their daughter, Alexis. A service ineelebration of her life will be 6:30 PM Friday in King's Park International Church, 1305 Odyssey Dr., Durham, after which the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall. Gift's in Margaret's memory may be made to: Exchange Club's Family Center, exchangefamilycenter.org. Arrangements are with Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. On-line memorials: hallwynne.com