JACKSONVILLE  -  Marcia Stevenson Gaylor, 74, of Jacksonville, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2025, after battling an illness she had unknowingly endured for over a year. She leaves behind a beloved family and many friends and associates who celebrate her life, accomplishments, and dedication to them.

Recently, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, prompting numerous friends to support her during her treatment. Her friends encourage all women to stay vigilant for the signs of this devastating disease through regular evaluations and to seek early help when needed.

Many of her friends supported her during her brave struggle and for her beloved husband Jimmy Gaylor after her diagnosis. Marcia taught for nine years and spent 15 years as a counselor with the Pretrial Resource Center, where she focused on providing justice and compassion for those involved with the courts.

She was a proud Democrat who believed in social equality, equal opportunity, voting rights, and the rights of minorities for all.

Marcia was a well-known member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She had a very active life associated with Circle 1 and was an officer for the United Methodist Church Women. She was a board member and a member of the Onslow Cotillion, a charter member of the Jacksonville Junior Women's Club, a past president (2018-2022), and a current member of the Gardenerettes Garden Club. She was also a member of the Tappers Under Fifty dance group.

She organized a Friday Luncheon group for friends steadfast in their care and concern for each other. She also participated in a bridge club with lifelong friends. She was a member of many Birthday Groups, as everyone wanted Marcia to be a member of their group.

One of her favorite pastimes was the Cosmopolitan Book Club, of which she had been a longtime member and also served as an officer.

"Marcia was the glue that held all of us together," said Mary Morgan who served with her in many groups and was a beloved neighbor.

Her family and friends celebrate her life and passions, noting that while receiving treatment at home, she engaged in retail therapy, recently buying a considerable amount of sweatpants.

Marcia was predeceased by her parents Robert Louis Stevenson and Dorothy Vaughn Stevenson, and siblings Lisa Stevenson and Mark Clifford Stevenson, all of Oxford.

She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Franklin Gaylor; their children, Emily Katherine Gaylor of Jacksonville, and Matthew Stevenson Gaylor (wife: Megan Grubbs) of Oxford; and her only grandchild, Sullivan James Durham of Jacksonville.

Funeral Arrangements:

A service will be held Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 2 PM at Trinity Methodist Church with the Reverend Dennis Goodwin officiating.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests a donation to be made to the Children Healthy Eating on Weekends (CHEW) program operated by United Way of Onslow County. https://www.uwonslow.org /children-healthy-eating-weekends-chew or to some other charity of their choice.