Margaret Crisp Fonville

Margaret Crisp Fonville transitioned from this life on November 26, 2025, after many months of declining health. She was born on June 12, 1924, the only child of Annie Louis Tingen Crisp and John McCoy Crisp. Born in her paternal grandparents' home in East Durham, she grew up in a closely knit neighborhood surrounded by a host of loving grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, all of whom she remained close to throughout her life. She attended Durham Public Schools.
Margaret married James Gilbert Fonville in 1951 and was widowed in 1956. Her work experience included being the owner-operator of Fonville Insulation Company and she held various positions in the Hotel and Hospitality industry. She worked at the Hilton Hotel, the Duke Motor Lodge, and the Ramada Inn in Durham and the Key Largo Angler's Club in North Key Largo, FL.
She made lasting friends in every chapter of her life and had a long and robust prayer list of friends and acquaintances that she remembered every day. She was an inspiration to all with her unwavering belief in the power of prayer. She was a long-time member of the International Order of the King's Daughters-Durham.
Throughout her life, she was clever, funny, positive, and resilient. She loved ice cream, "good" hotdogs with chili and slaw, hot coffee, and sweet tea. She loved the beach, all stages of the moon but especially when it was full, and all the uplifting New Testament stories. But, most of all, she adored being grandmother "Mimi" to her two beloved grandchildren and they brought her immense joy and purpose.
To her family, Margaret was a source of constant and unconditional love and support. Celebrating her life but mourning her passing are her devoted children, Chris (Ruth) of Clayton, NC, and Anne (Terry Sams) and her grandchildren, Natalie Grayson Sams and Garrett Fonville Sams of Louisville, KY.
She is also survived by her cousin Carolyn Tingen Philips of Mobile, AL, niece Elizabeth Fonville Jackson of Wake Forest, NC and dear friends Bonnie Thompson of Charlotte, NC and Betty Jo Boothe of Timberlake, NC.
Per her wishes and instructions, there will not be a public funeral. Margaret chose to be cremated, and the family will inter her ashes in the family burial site at Maplewood Cemetery, Durham on a later date. The Cremation Society of North Carolina is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family would like to thank the entire staff of BellaRose Nursing Home for their compassionate and loving care during Margaret's final years. They are the angels and saints among us, and we are truly grateful.
Memorial gifts can be made to The Meredith College Beautification Endowment Fund, Meredith College, 3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh NC 27607. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret, please visit our floral store.