AHOSKIE – Mrs. Margaret Chitty Brinkley, age 85, of the 100 block of Jernigan Swamp Road, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2013, at her home.

Born January 18, 1928 in Menola of Hertford County, Margaret was a daughter of the late R. Duncan and Virgie Northcott Chitty of Murfreesboro. She was predeceased by two brothers, R.D. Chitty, Jr. and Ronald E. Chitty.

She was a 1945 graduate of Murfreesboro High School and a Beta Club member. At graduation Margaret was awarded a medal by the Murfreesboro Rotary Club for being chosen by her teachers as the “Most Outstanding Student in High School” at that time.

She married David Ralph Brinkley Jr. of Ahoskie on March 20, 1947. As a homemaker and retired salesperson, she was very devoted and loving to her family and friends.

Margaret was an active and faithful member of Center Grove Baptist Church most of her life. She taught Sunday School for 50 years, organized and served as Chairman of the Church Flower Program for 38 years. She was also active in many other functions of the church.

Survivors include her husband of 66 years; three sons; David A. and wife Debbie of New Bern, Ralph L. and wife Jeanne of Ahoskie, and Steve L. and wife Michelle of Greenville; five grandchildren, Jenny B. Vaughan and husband Bill II, Amy B. Roberts and husband Josh, Brandon Brinkley, and  Adam and Travis Brinkley; two step-grandchildren, Timothy Evans and wife Dana, and Anna E. Teets and husband Doug; two great-grandchildren, Bill III and Katie Vaughan; two step great-grandchildren, Evan and Lilly Teets; a sister, Louise C. Howard and husband Curtis of Murfreesboro; a brother, Bill Chitty and wife Sharon, of Cleveland, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, with the Rev. Dr. Trey Gilliam officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie and other times at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Center Grove Baptist Church, 826 Center Grove Road, Ahoskie, NC 27910, Community Home Care and Hospice, 107 West Blvd., Williamston, NC 27892 or to a favorite charity.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service is handling the arrangements for the Brinkley family and condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.