FRANCES ESTELLE HUNDLEY GOURLEY
Died Sept. 22, 2017
Frances Estelle Hundley Gourley, 90, of Goldsboro, passed away on Sept. 22, 2017, after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Goldsboro. Officiating will be the Rev. James Harry. Members of the St. Paul UMC J. Paul Edwards Sunday School class and the United Methodist Women Aldersgate Circle will be honorary pallbearers.
Frances was born and raised in Fieldale, Va. She was the third of four daughters born to Ramie Davis (R.D.) and Roxie Beulah (Stegall) Hundley. She was fearless and athletic, both traits serving her well her entire life. Frances earned an Education degree from Madison College and married Malcolm Gourley in 1948, and the two Fieldale natives moved to Raleigh for Mac to earn his textile degree from N.C. State. This began their 62-year journey as Pack fans. They lived and worked in eight N.C. counties, the last 40 years in Wayne County.
Not only was Frances a devoted wife and mother, but she was also a working woman and church and civic volunteer. Her career ranged from teacher to office and HR manager, with Georgia Pacific, the last stop on her career path. Frances played many roles at St. Paul UMC, serving as secretary and past president of the UMW, member of the Sanctuary Choir, Sunday school teacher, Circle Leader for the Aldersgate Circle, chair of the Parlor Committee, coordinator of numerous cook teams, office volunteer, and prayer shawl knitting member. Frances served as a past Chairman of the Board of the Wayne Opportunity Center and received the Governor’s Volunteer Award in 1996 and 2001 and the Old North State Award for dedication and service in 2008. Her service to others remained until the end.
Frances’ loving husband, Mac, predeceased her, as well as sisters, Mable and Lillian (Sis). Frances is survived by sons, David (Cheryl) Gourley of Wake Forest, N.C., and Mark (Judy) Gourley of Danville, Va.; grandchildren, Brian Gourley of Raleigh, Stephen Gourley of Pinehurst, and Mary Frances Gourley of Charlotte; sister, Jenny (Lee) Waldron of Roanoke, Va.; great-grandchild, Brendan; plus nieces, nephews, and many cousins. Her cocker spaniel, Rowdy remains devoted.
The family would like to thank the medical team at Duke University Medical Center and Dr. Jason Boyd and Dr. Deepak Cuddapah of Goldsboro for their care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wayne Opportunity Center, 619 South George Street, Goldsboro, N.C., 27530, or to St. Paul UMC Bereavement or Music Fund, 204 East Chestnut Street, Goldsboro, N.C., 27530.
A private inurnment will be held in the St. Paul UMC Columbarium. The family will greet friends immediately following the service.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on September 27, 2017 8:05 AM