Margaret Louise Boyles Stroupe, affectionately known as 'Mag' to her family and friends, age 84, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2020.

She was born at her childhood home on North Mountain Street, Cherryville on May 3, 1936 to her parents, Marie London Boyles and Noah Benjamin (Ben) Boyles. She had one older brother, James Howard Boyles. Mag grew up in Cherryville and had fond memories of her formative years in and around the Dora Mill village; and the community store, owned by her father, N.B. Boyles Grocery. Cherished neighborhood friendships remained constant throughout her life. She attended First United Methodist Church with her family, and later, when married, she became a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church. She attended Cherryville High School, and would receive a two-year degree from Lenoir Rhyne College. Friends and family know of many funny remembrances ... and some mischief ... Mag would recall from her school days.

Mag met the love of her life, Wade Hector Stroupe, Sr., while working for her father; and Hector was working for the adjacent Dover Textile/Dora Mill Company. Mag and Hector were married on April 21, 1961, at the First United Methodist Church, Cherryville, and later a daughter, Amanda Marie Stroupe, and a son, Wade Hector Stroupe, Jr., were born. Through her young married life, Mag worked alongside her husband and other family members at Stroupe Florist. Later Mag was employed with Gaston County Schools, at Cherryville East Elementary, retiring as an elementary assistant. She always treasured the close relationships she shared with many staff members and students. Margaret, was also lovingly known by friends and family as "Gigi", a nickname given by her treasured grandchildren, Wade Alexander Harrill and Patrick Allen Harrill. While Hector was the love of her life, and she adored her children, nothing came close to the affection and pride she had for her precious Alex and Pat.

Special memories from family include: her insatiable desire to hear, and to tell, a good joke; many wonderful and humorous stories of travels, especially trips to the cottage at Kure Beach; and getting together on any occasion and most weekends with good friends and the 'chicken club'. Mag was always ready for any festive occasion: parties, special dinners, birthdays, weddings and receptions. However, holidays were always at the top of Mag's list: including her love of the Community Sun Rise Service and Joe Gainey playing Easter music on the organ at First Presbyterian; Fourth of July and summertime fireworks and cookout events: hosting Halloween hot dog suppers while giving out tons of candy; the closeness and special feeling of family and friends together at Thanksgiving ... she dearly loved holidays. But none more so than Christmas -- from adorning her Christmas dinner table the day after Thanksgiving, to baking Christmas goodies as soon as the fall air became cool, to her love of wonderful music and the Christmas Eve services at First Presbyterian, and finally to her 'world famous' Christmas Eve party, which traditionally lasted into early Christmas morn. Mag would be the last person to bed after her party, but would always be the first up Christmas morning, singing carols and putting the final touches on luscious Christmas meals.

Mag was always very blessed to be surrounded by love and affection from many, many wonderful friends. She cherished the many wonderful times together with her 'Golden Girls'. Nothing was more satisfying to Mag than to have one friend or possibly a crowd, gathered at her kitchen table ... enjoying a cup of coffee or drink of choice ... and be enthralled in conversation, laughter, and remembrances of life together.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the many friends, neighbors, helpers and care-givers who provided attention and care to Mag over the past few years.

In addition to her parents Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Hector; her brother, Jim Boyles and wife, Martha Fussell Boyles.

She is survived by her daughter, Mandy and Mike ('Mickey') Harrill; son, Wade Stroupe and Mary Brown; grandchildren, Alex and Kristen Balboni Harrill; Patrick and Leslie Tomerlin Harrill; many special family members, including her adored nieces and nephews, Jim Boyles, Jr.; Sallyn Boyles and Tom Sharp; Susan Boyles and Scott Williams; Mary Ellen Stroupe; Art and Barbara Ann Stroupe Stegall; Sid Stroupe and Gary Atkins; Carole Stroupe; Bill and Martha Jon Blackwelder Hicks; Buddy and Judy Blackwelder Talbert; Howard and Jane Blackwelder Homesley; John Blackwelder; Mary Frances Kistler Lail; Hillard and Connie Wise; and Joe Wise.

A Memorial Service, conducted by Mag's beloved pastor and friend, Rev. Dr. Billy T. Lowe, will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Cherryville at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, October 28, 2020.

Burial will follow at City Memorial Cemetery in Cherryville.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, face masks and proper social distancing will be observed.

Mag's wish was that memorials, in lieu of flowers, please be made to First Presbyterian Church Growth Fund, 107 West Academy Street, Cherryville, NC 28021.

A guest register is available at www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com

Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family of Mrs. Stroupe.