Margaret Louise Coleman
    Submit Your Condolence

    All condolence submissions are moderated for legitimacy and appropriateness before posting online. Your email address will not be published.

      Margaret Louise Coleman

      March 3, 2026

      Southern Shores, NC - It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Margaret Louise Coleman. Born on February 8, 1943, in Richmond, VA, Margaret left us unexpectedly on March 3, 2026, following emergency open-heart surgery. Her departure leaves a void, but her legacy of kindness and vibrant spirit will remain in our hearts.

      Margaret is survived by Sue Messenheimer, and a loving family including Carrie Messenheimer, Jay Antonacci, and her grandchildren Morgan, Kiara and Carson Antonacci of Pt. Harbor, NC. Margaret was the daughter of the late Wilson S. Coleman, Sr. and Ruby Louise Dempsey Coleman. Margaret spent most of her youth living with and was greatly influenced by her Aunt Elsie Coleman Davis (Sydney). She shared love and memories with their daughters, Grace Henley (Pete) and Emma Lee Dudley (Herbert) and their families, especially Grace’s daughter Lori Rice. Margaret was beloved by her brother Wilson S. Coleman, Jr. (Eunice) niece Linda Baber (Chris) great niece/nephews Sarah, Chris, and Forrest; and nephew Craig W. Coleman (Melinda) and great nephew/nieces Curtis and Suzan, all of Richmond, VA. Margaret's generous actions and warm spirit continued through her life.

      The family wishes to express their gratitude to Margaret’s care team at Norfolk Heart Hospital for their kindness and care following her surgery.

      Immediately upon graduation from Freeman H.S., Margaret dedicated 30 years of service to C&P Telephone/AT&T. Her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and stellar performance in accounting studies at University of Richmond placed Margaret on track for upper management. During her career she was often a department manager, and she mastered internal auditing and corporate tax preparation. After retirement, Margaret moved to Southern Shores, NC in 1996, where she nurtured her beautiful gardens.

      Margaret's passion lay in her garden. She cultivated beautiful azaleas, hydrangeas, and numerous potted flowers. Her garden was not only her sanctuary but also a place where she cultivated friendships, sharing her gardening knowledge and propagated cuttings with others.

      Another love she had was traveling, and she recently returned from a 10,000 mile trip out West and to Alberta, Canada, visiting numerous National and State Parks, a trip she had always wanted to take. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the SPCA, or a charity of your choice, reflecting Margaret's nurturing life and providing care to those who need it most.  Sue will host a private memorial gathering to celebrate Margaret's life. Please share expressions of comfort at www.gallopfuneralservices.com Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.

        OUR HISTORY

        The Nags Head Chapel and Company Headquarters

        Nags Head Chapel

        Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.

        Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

        The Barco Memorial Chapel - Currituck

        Barco Chapel

        In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.

        Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

        Capital Crematory

        Capital Crematory

        In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.

          OBITUARIES

          SEARCH ALL OBITUARIES
          GFSLIST
          GFSPAGING
          GFSALT
          GFSALT
            GFSTITLE
            Submit Your Condolence

            All condolence submissions are moderated for legitimacy and appropriateness before posting online. Your email address will not be published.

              GFSTITLE

              GFSDATE
              GFSBODY