Margaret Marie Eskridge

December 12, 1930 ~ August 20, 2011
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Margaret Marie Rabon Eskridge, of Asheville, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2011, after a brief illness. She was 80 years old.
Margaret was born on December 12, 1930, in Shelby N.C. to Robert Roland Rabon, Sr. and Sarah Ellen Wray Rabon. She was the granddaughter of A.V. Wray, Sr., founder of A.V. Wray and 6 Sons Department Store in Shelby. After graduating from Shelby High School, where she was editor of the school newspaper, she attended Winthrop College in Rock Hill, S.C. In 1949, she married her high school sweetheart, Brewster Blanton Eskridge, and the couple moved to Asheville in 1955, where he was employed by the American Enka Corp.
In a move that was ahead of her time, Margaret returned to college in her 30s to complete her education. In 1966 she graduated with honors from Asheville-Biltmore College (now UNC-Asheville), with a B.A. in literature, as a member of the college's first four-year class. She taught English and Latin at Asheville Country Day School and was a substitute teacher for many years in public schools in Asheville and Buncombe County.
She was an accomplished quilter and seamstress, an avid supporter of local theater, a knowledgeable fan of old movies and a gourmet cook. She enjoyed traveling solo in Europe, especially trips to the British Isles. She and her husband also enjoyed long road trips throughout the United States and Canada. She loved her dogs Pitty Pat, Tater Bug, Lolly Pop and Jelly Bean and cats Lum and Abner.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years; three sons, Phillip of Asheville, David of Houston, Texas, and Nicholas of Asheville and Atlanta, Ga.; a sister, Mary Rabon Moore and husband Jerry of Atlanta; a brother, Roland Rabon, Jr. and wife Lorene of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Sarah Wray Rabon, and a brother, Thomas Rabon.
Her ashes will be interred beside the graves of her parents and siblings in Sunset Cemetery in Shelby.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.
Brewster,
I am sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. Words seem so inadequate at a time such as this, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron and Audrey Morrow
Aunt Margaret was a special lady and we are so sad she will no longer be a part of our lives. God bless her. May she rest in peace.
Dear Nick Eskridge and Family,
It was with great sadness that I read of the passing of your mother.
Margaret was a very special lady and we will always remember her great talent and kindness to all.
With Love,
Susan Bradford
Nick and family — My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. I have fond memories of Margaret–she lived a wonderful life, and I hope your memories will bring you comfort.
Bruce, my sincere condolences in the loss of your wife. I was Irene Davis when I worked for Jack Mulvaney in Textile Development, Staple Department, at American Enka Company. Later, when I was working in the Marketing Technical building, I married B. C. Mills, Jr. (Textile Development, Weaving). Sadly, he passed away on our 33rd anniversary this past June 3.
Dear Margaret: We miss you deeply!
Your German friends, Uta and Günter
Nick and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers continue for you.
Lisa Keener, RN
Director of Nursing
BrightStar Healthcare
im very sorry for your lost.im really sorry for her.RIP