Margaret Ann McGuire

Margaret Ann Johnson McGuire, affectionately known as ‘Mimi’ to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, died peacefully on Sunday, March 24th at the age of 102.

Margaret was born on January 19th, 1922, on the family tobacco farm in Johnston County, NC. She was the third of seven children to Paul Esrom Johnson and Janet Margaret Causey Johnson. Growing up during the Great Depression with no electricity, no indoor plumbing, no telephone, and five brothers, Margaret learned the value of hard work (and a strong opinion) from a young age. She enjoyed the freedoms farm life offered, climbing scuppernong arbors and riding ponies bareback across the property, while also helping her mother with the many chores that kept the household running. Margaret was full of stories from life on the farm, with an extraordinary memory for events from her childhood even as she aged. 

As she matured into a young woman, Margaret pursued her education, attending Pineland Junior College and later Hardbarger Business School in Raleigh. She found employment at the US Farm Insurance bureau in Greensboro and Raleigh, where she eventually met her husband Tom McGuire, a WWII Air Force veteran completing his engineering degree at N.C. State. Tom’s career brought them to a variety of cities across North Carolina and Tennessee, while Margaret settled in as a housewife and mother. They welcomed four children, Janet, Carol, Tommy and Bruce, and built a life together filled with love and laughter. 

Margaret & Tom eventually settled in Lincoln County, NC at the Cowans Ford Country Club where they enjoyed golf, bridge games, and a close circle of friends for over 20 years. During this time Margaret was very active with Unity Presbyterian Church in Denver, NC as a member of the Women’s Circle and an Elder. In her later years, Margaret retired to Trinity Elms Assisted Living in Clemmons, NC to be near her family.

Margaret was old-fashioned and fashionable, practical yet full of style. Even at 102 she was never without her red lipstick, jewelry, and matching handbag. She loved shopping, bright colors, and anything chocolate.

Margaret leaves behind a large family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers, as well as her husband Tom McGuire Sr. and daughter Janet McSween. She is survived by her sister Jean; children Carol Shaw, Tom McGuire (Sharon), and Bruce McGuire; son in law Donald McSween; grandchildren David (Carolyn) & Brian (Meg) McSween, Matthew (Molly) Shaw, Allison (Mark) & Max McGuire, and Nolan & Amy Klemmer-McGuire; and great-grandchildren Delaney, Audrey, Mitchell, Chloe, Connor, Micah, and Madelyn. The family is planning to hold a private celebration of life for close family and friends at a later date.

The family would like to give a special thank-you to the wonderful staff at Trinity Elms who helped care for Margaret during the last six years of her life.