Margie Nell Parrish Gower, age 92, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023 at Meadow View Assisted Living Center in Smithfield. Born in Johnston County on September 11, 1930, she was a daughter to the late George Hoke Parrish and Daisy Johnson Parrish.

Margie was the oldest living member of Johnston Union Freewill Baptist Church in Smithfield, where she taught Sunday school to the children for well over 20 years. Margie worked as a CNA at UNC Johnston Health for 30 years. After she retired she continued to volunteer at the hospital at the front desk for nearly 20 years. Margie loved the hospital and knew just about everyone and they knew her. She was a joy to all of those that knew her. In her free time, Margie was a very active lady and loved being around people. She was very involved in a widow's group that gathered on a regular basis, and enjoyed being involved in crafting and other activities at Meadow View. Margie loved her three children dearly and adored her grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Johnston Union Freewill Baptist Church in Smithfield. The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 p.m., just prior to the service. Burial will follow at Knollwood cemetery in Clayton.

In addition to her parents and siblings, Margie is preceded in death by her husband, William "Bud" Gower; her son, Roger Earl Gower; and a daughter-in-law, Harvie Jean Gower.

She is survived by her son, Billy Wayne Gower and wife Billie Jean of Smithfield; daughter, Janet Gower Parrish and husband Ray Parrish; sister, Sally Morrison of Wilmington; grandchildren, Kim Byrd, Melissa Senter, Jeff Gower, Chris Gower, Krystal Philyaw, Tony Parrish, Tonya Taylor; great grandchildren, Mary Kathryn Byrd, Matthew Byrd, Emily Bass, Elizabeth Knudtson, Samantha Philyaw, Kaylee Philyaw, Liam Philyaw, Aubrey Senter, Holly Parker, Haven Taylor; and great great grandchildren, Layla Jaramillo, Conner Davis, Grace Knudtson, and Greyson Parker.