Margaret Paulette Parker Wingfield was born on May 10, 1932, in Bahama, NC (Durham County), to the late Ulysses Parker and Margaret Jeanette Pettiford Parker. She transitioned peacefully on January 13, 2025. She was the eleventh of thirteen children and a beacon of strength, service, and compassion throughout her 92 years of life.
After graduating from Little River High School in May 1951, Margaret moved to Raleigh, NC, to pursue a career in nursing. She attended the prestigious St. Agnes Hospital and Training School for Nursing, the first African American nursing school in North Carolina, and graduated in 1954. Later that year, she became a Registered Nurse after passing the State Board Exam.
In November 1954, Margaret began her nursing career at L. Richardson Memorial Hospital in
Greensboro, NC. Over the next 37 years, she worked in various departments, including the Operating Room, Medicine and Surgery, Labor and Delivery, and as the Charge Nurse for the Newborn Nursery. Known for her tireless dedication, she once attended a specialized six-week training on premature infant care at Duke Hospital. Margaret's swift pace through hospital halls, her signature white uniform, and her unwavering care became legendary.
In 1991, she began working at Evergreens Senior Healthcare System, where she worked for nine years before retiring in 2000. Even after her official retirement, she continued to work as a registered nurse for various agencies. Her 52-year career as a Registered Nurse was marked by her extraordinary service and a legacy of compassion.
On November 15, 1958, Margaret married the love of her life, the late Harry Leon Wingfield. Their 55-year union was blessed with three children: Dexter Leon, Viveca Dawn, and Darius Parker Wingfield. She loved and embraced a bonus son David Jordan.
Margaret's dedication to service extended beyond her nursing career. On November 20, 1971, she became one of the 11 founding members of the Sigma Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., a professional nursing organization. She was a Life Member and participated actively in sorority pagents, conferences and volunteering, including Mobile Meals and health fairs right up until her passing.
Former patients often recalled Margaret's stern but caring demeanor, which ensured their recovery. Many later expressed gratitude, acknowledging her unwavering commitment to their well-being. Her children often joked that she helped deliver half of Greensboro, as she assisted in countless births during her career.
Margaret was also deeply rooted in her faith. A dedicated and founding member of Manasseh
Baptist Church, she served as a Deaconess, President of the Missionaries, and "Mother of the Church" because of her motherly love and wisdom she shared. Her contributions to the church community were recognized in 2006 when she received the“Honoring Wisdom” plaque from the Women’s Ministry.
Even in retirement, Margaret remained active and energetic, attending Silver Sneakers and Zumba classes five days a week and walking a mile each day at both Bryan and Hayes Taylor YMCA. She was an enthusiastic sports fan. She faithfully supported her children's endeavors as they played and coached various sports, even through college. She also supported her grandchildren’s athletic and academic pursuits across the state and the East Coast.
A gifted baker, she was known for her famous apple and pound cakes, which she generously shared with others. She devoted her time to acts of kindness, such as delivering newspapers to neighbors, taking people to grocery stores, doctor appointments, and visiting family and friends, whether they were sick or healthy. Despite her tough exterior, Margaret's kindness,
compassion, and generosity touched everyone she met. Many were even blessed to have received one of her signature “love taps”.
Margaret was preceded in death by her siblings: James Parker, Geraldine Parker, Goldsmith Parker, Virginia Kenion, Syminer Daye, Nathaniel Parker, Zonnie Hedgspeth, Ulysses (Burnice) Parker, Arnell Parker, Kermit (K.P.) Parker, Wilbur Parker, and Vivian Parker.
She leaves to cherish her memory her three children: Dexter, Viveca, and Darius (Stephanie); bonus son, David Jordan, eleven grandchildren: Hope, Rickiah, Christopher, Michaiah, Jeremy, Candace, Darius II, Tamara (Donald), Joshua, Kayla Wingfield and LàOreal Jordan; five great-grandchildren Isaiah Covington, Devin Odister, Christopher Pittard, Rihanna and Laylah Thomas and four great-great-grandchildren; supportive in-loves Joan Sheats, Wilmore Ervin (Bernice), Johnny Erwin (Irmgard), Nathaniel Ervin (Joyce), Maddlen Sims Wade (Billy), Johnny Hutchins, Irene Newings Freeman, and Minnie Jane Newings. She was Godmother to many,
and had a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Margaret Paulette Parker Wingfield's legacy of love, service, and faith will live on in the hearts of
all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025 1:30pm New Light Missionary Baptist Church 1105 Willow Road Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 1pm.
Burial will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park 3600 North O' Henry Boulevard Greensboro, North Carolina.
Send flowers to the service of Margaret Paulette Wingfield
Wilbur A Parker sent Pink Tribute Spray for Margaret Paulette Wingfield - January 17, 2025
Aunt Margaret- You were one of a kind, always caring and sharing to anyone in need. You were my Greensboro Mom. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Love, Tony & Cassandra
N sent The Peace Lily for Margaret Paulette Wingfield - January 16, 2025
May God comfort you along with Ma Wingfield sweet memories. Thank you for sharing her with us. She will be dearly missed but forever lovingly in our hearts. Love & Hugs from Penn Family
Derrick Johnson sent Red and White Handled Basket for Margaret Paulette Wingfield - January 16, 2025
Our Deepest condolences from Derrick Johnson and family.
Wendy Poteat sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Margaret Paulette Wingfield - January 16, 2025
Your mother's love and warmth will forever live on through your family. Our hearts are with you, and we're thinking of you. Please reach out if you need anything.
Wendy, Tré, Walter, and PJ
Nathaniel Tollison sent Sympathy Spray for Margaret Paulette Wingfield - January 15, 2025
Deepest sympathy from the Tollison family.
Harriet Davis sent Cherished Friend Bouquet for Margaret Paulette Wingfield - January 15, 2025
In loving memory of a phenomenal lady, Soror and cherished friend, Mrs. Elaine Deloris Harrigan. Love, Harriet, Jillian and Jennifer
My Condolences 🙏 to the Family,Such a wonderful, kind, loving woman. Tony
So sorry for the family loss I will keep y'all in my prayers God Bless 🙏🙏
On behalf of the Beta Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., we extend our deepest condolences to our beloved Soror Rickiah Wingfield and her family on the loss of her grandmother, Mrs. Margaret Wingfield.
Mrs. Wingfield's incredible 54-year legacy of service as a nurse, particularly as a labor and delivery nurse, is truly awe-inspiring. Her hands helped bring generations of Greensboro families into the world, and her impact will be felt for years to come. As a proud graduate of St. Agnes Nursing School, she exemplified excellence, resilience, and commitment to her calling, paving the way for so many others to follow.
We celebrate her remarkable life and honor the legacy she has passed down to Rickiah. May you find comfort in the love surrounding you and strength in the beautiful memories you shared.
With Sisterly Love, The Beta Iota Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
The Wingfield Family
I am sorry to learn of your mother's passing. I enjoyed our togetherness at the Dudley High basketball. I will will miss those encounters. Blessings.
Lewis Brandon
To the Wingfield family: My deepest condolences to you during your hour of bereavement. Mrs. Winfield was quite and incredible lady for such great accomplishments during her generation. The uniqueness of her accomplishments and work in the earth have not gone unnoticed. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Praying for you during your hour of bereavement and even more so in the days to come. Ida S.Johnson
My deepest condolences to Ms.Margaret's family. She will be missed in the Silver Sneakers classes at Hayes Taylor. She was such a an inspiration. Some days when I didn't feel like climbing those steps, I would see her making her way up. I would make my way behind her. RIP Ms. Margaret. Leta Wright
My deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Wingfield.
To Viveca We're so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mother. With Sympathy and Prayers. Harry & Linda Knight Raleigh, NC
Sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. With Prayers and Sympathy
☆The entry "Sincere Condolences..." submitted with love by Patricia Troxler Moore and Family ~~~
Sincere Condolences to the Wingfield Family
Mrs. Margaret Paulette Wingfield will truly be missed. She was caring, kind,and so very sweet to all with whom she came into contact ~just angelic and a beautiful soul whom we were ever so blessed and fortunate to have known. Mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend your precious indelible marks on our hearts will be cherished forevermore. Family members, may God's merciful, peaceful grace comfort, console, and sustain each one of you in the difficult days ahead. Depending upon your special sweet memories along with prayers of your personal village will provide support when you need it. In loving memory, rest well our dear, precious Sweetest Heart.☮️💜💛💟🙏💚🤟✝️
To the family of Margaret Paulette Wingfield, She was my best friend. I have known "Wingy" as I lovingly called her for many years. We worked together at L.Richardson Hospital for many years together. After we both left L. Richardson, we remained close talking on the phone and often playing bingo. I will miss those times. Condolences to Vivica and the family. We love you! Lenora Brindle and Family
To the family, Margaret was dear and trusted colleague that often worked hand and hand with me and other staff from the lab at the L. Richardson Hospital. Her nursing skills were impeccable. She was always helpful and will be sorely missed. I pray she is resting in God's kingdom. Dyann Simmons Williams Liberty NC.
I'm sending my deepest condolences to Darius and the family. Janice Harris Clark
Condolences to the family of Margaret Wingfield. She was a jewel in our chapter of Chi Eta Phi, the Sigma Chi Chapter. The chapter officers and members will miss her dearly. We cherish all the times we shared at our meetings and at regional and national. Praying God's comfort and peace during this time. She will never be forgotten. 🙏🏽❤️💚💛
Condolences to family and friends of such a wonderful lady. Mother Wingfield will be forever remembered and hold a special place in our hearts. A Mom of Many...a Grandma to all who willing to accept her love. Hugs and Prayers from the Penn Family.
To the Family of Mrs. Wingfield. She was a WOMAN of God, a mother figure to all who came in contact with her and a FRIEND for life. The first time we met, we CLICKED and became friends. We checked on each other and I will always remember her for her support of CHILDREN. Keep, those MEMORIES close to heart. Linda Sims
Praying for family. MargieCarter&Family
Deacon Stanley & Minister Ernestine Rankin offer our deepest sympathy. Her love for God, family and teaching was an inspiration for the Faith Baptist Ladies Sunday School Class. Mrs. Harriman always exhibited grace and class. We are blessed to have had the time God allotted us to share her light.
We light this candle in loving memory of our dearly departed friend and Soror, Mrs. Elaine Harrigan. Soror Harrigan you will be sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences to daughters, Soror Pamela and Soror Sherrice. Love always, Harriet, Jillian and Jennifer
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.