Minerva F. McGregor

Minerva Falkner McGregor
February 15, 1924 - February 29, 2012
Raleigh
Minerva Falkner McGregor, 88, beloved daughter of Elvin O. Falkner and Ruby Woodlief Falkner (both deceased), peacefully passed away on February 29. Minerva was born in Henderson, N.C. February 15, 1924 on her father's 21st birthday. She was preceded in death by her cherished son, Clifford James McGregor, in 2003.
After high school, Minerva enrolled at Woman's College of the University of North Carolina, Greensboro where she graduated in 1945 with a B.A. in Secretarial Administration. She then worked in Raleigh with the N.C. Bureau of Weights and Measures.
Following her marriage in August 1948, Minerva moved to New Jersey where she resided for many years in Pompton Plains. Her husband's experiences as an artic explorer and the opportunities presented to her to meet and know famous explorers of the day heightened her interest in science, geography and travel. She enjoyed working for many years in New York City in the medical office of Dr. Constantine Generales, Jr. During her years living in New Jersey, she continued her love of learning, attending Montclair State Teachers College in Montclair and Farleigh Dickenson University in Rutherford. She was a devoted reader well into her eighties.
A few years following the death of her father, Minerva returned to Henderson in 1980 where she was a businesswomen and part owner of Falkner Building Supply.
Minerva's greatest satisfaction came from her role as mother to her son Clifford. She proudly supported his volunteer firefighting roles with Vance County and the Swansboro Volunteer Fire Department.
Minerva's love of travel and different cultures inspired her to visit six of the seven continents. She loved to share her travels with others and to hear their stories and adventures. In her later years, her love of reading allowed her to relive earlier travels and to continue learning about the world.
Minerva placed tremendous value on education and therefore wished to provide opportunities for Henderson and Vance County residents' personal development. She was instrumental in establishing the Embassy Cultural Center in Henderson, and McGregor Hall was named in memory of her son Clifford and in her honor. In addition, her initial gift of property led to the redevelopment of the Embassy Block, the site of the Henderson Police Department.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the First Baptist Church in Henderson, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Minerva's name may be made to the Methodist Home for Children, 1041 Washington Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27605 or to the Embassy Cultural Center Foundation, PO Box 706, Henderson, N.C. 27536.