Celeste Morgan Gregory, 95, has departed the earth for her Heavenly home on Jan. 9, 2015. She was born Mary Celeste Morgan on May 7, 1919, in Winston Salem, N.C., to parents Hampton and Myrtle Morgan. She attended Mineral Springs schools. Celeste was choir director and pianist for her home church, Mineral Springs Baptist Church, in Winston-Salem. After moving to Charlotte, N.C., Celeste and her husband Rudy Gregory helped found Westover Baptist Church. During their time in Charlotte, Celeste was choir director and pianist for the church.
Upon moving to Salisbury, N.C., she and Rudy joined First Baptist Church where Celeste was the organist, and also directed the church choirs. Rudy and Celeste then, along with six other couples, helped to found Neel Road Baptist Church. Celeste was organist, pianist, choir director, and director of the handbell choir. She was organist until 2004, when she retired at the age of 85, and she was honored by Neel Road Church for her 44 years of service. She returned to Neel Road Church in 2012 at the age of 92 to present a concert for the congregation. Celeste was also a beloved piano teacher to multiple generations of students in Salisbury.
Mrs. Gregory is survived by her son, David Gregory; daughter, Sandra Wakefield; granddaughter, Stephanie Wakefield; and grandson, Gregory Wakefield and wife Diena. She is also survived by her brothers, Frank Morgan and his wife Helen, Hampton Morgan, Jack Morgan, and Jim Morgan and wife Mary Alice; nieces and nephews. Celeste was predeceased by her husband Rudy and two sisters, Glennie Walsh and Anne Reavis.
Visitation will be held at Summersett Funeral Home, Salisbury, N.C., Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. A funeral service will follow at the same location at 2 p.m.
http://www.summersettfuneralhome.com.
www.jekeevermortuary.com
