Margaret Fulbright Bleynat

Mrs. Margaret Fulbright Bleynat, 100, of Valdese, went to her Heavenly Home on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at The Berkeley in Morganton, after a period of declining health.

Mrs. Bleynat was born June 23, 1925, in Icard, N.C., a daughter of the late McKinley and Ethel Brindle Fulbright. She attended First Baptist Church of Icard where she served as a GA leader. After moving to Valdese, she attended the Waldensian Presbyterian Church, becoming an active member, teaching Sunday School, active in the Women of the Church with a lifetime membership, a youth worker, the after school programs and many other church programs. She served as a Deacon and Elder and was presented with the Woman of the Church Award. Margaret had a love of cooking, gardening, sewing and serving as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In her spare time, Margaret volunteered as a Pink Lady for many years at Valdese General Hospital and as a greeter at the Waldensian Trail of Faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, John Bleynat and brother, James Fulbright.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, John F. "Pete" Bleynat and wife, Trish of Charlotte, N.C. Also surviving are the apples of her eye, her grandchildren, Kristina Shableski and husband, David of Boone, Andy Fortenbery of Charlotte and John Fortenbery and wife, Julie of Sunderland, Md.; and six great-grandchildren, Connor Addison, Ella and Beckham Fortenbery and Jake and Kate Shableski; sisters-in-law, Meredith Bleynat of Asheville, Wilma Jones of Valdese; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins in Burke County and surrounding area.

A Celebration of Life for Margaret Fulbright Bleynat will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025, in the Waldensian Presbyterian Church with Rev. Matt Matthews and Rev. Dr. Rachel Matthews officiating. A private Graveside Service will be held in the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends following the church service, in the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Pioneer Hall.

Condolences may be expressed at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Oct. 15, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Bleynat

Sponsored by Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory - Valdese.

3 Entries

The Snypes Kids

October 16, 2025

Our mother (Arlena Snypes-deceased) and Margaret were life long friends. on our Mothers 85th birthday, Margaret was the only non- family member in attendance. She was the life of the gathering. we all smile when we think of that day. Pete not sure you remember our family but sorry for your loss of a lovely lady. The Snypes Kids... Susan- Jan and Mike

Susan Grace

October 16, 2025

My condolences to your family. May Margaret rest peacefully in the memory of our Heavenly Father.

Deborah Overholtzer

October 15, 2025

It seems, I have known your family forever, I´m the stepdaughter of Joel Dalmas. Your parents were very kind and generous. Your mom left a wonderful legacy in Valdese, as did your father. Parental loss is terrible and I shall pray for your family. God Bless all of you.

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Memorial Events
for Margaret Bleynat

Oct

16

Visitation

12:00 p.m.

Waldensian Presbyterian Church Pioneer Hall

109 Main Street East, Valdese, NC 28690

Oct

16

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Waldensian Presbyterian Church

109 Main Street East, Valdese, NC 28690

Funeral services provided by:

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory - Valdese

1507 E. Main Street, Valdese, NC 28690

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