Margaret Hagan Hembree

Asheville - Rachel Margaret Hagan Hembree, 92, died Thursday December 28, 2006 at the Brian Center in Weaverville after a period of declining health. A native of the Big Pine Community of Madison County, she had resided in Buncombe County since 1939. She was a member of Bingham Heights Baptist Church. She was a daughter of the late John Wesley and Bertha Fortner Hagan and the wife of the late Clifford Gantt and Jewell Columbus Hembree. She was also preceded in death by 2 sisters, Mary Lunsford and Lela Mae Goforth and 2 brothers: Billy Hagan and Joseph Hagan. Surviving are 5 nieces, Betty Anderson, Lavonda Moore, Joann Freeman, Wanda Courtney and Margaret Goforth; 4 nephews, Bud Hagan, John Goforth, Steve Lunsford and Bill Hagan; numerous great and great great nieces and nephews and many cousins. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Sunday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Rev. Bobby Hagan officiating. Burial will be in the Sluder Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 Saturday at the funeral home. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of the Brian Center for the loving care they gave Margaret.