Margaret Elizabeth (Darden) Oates

Clinton

Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Darden Oates, 96, of 421 King Rd., passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Mary-Gran Nursing Center.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, January 13, at 2:00 PM at Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 1818 N McCullen Rd, Faison, NC., with Rev. Robert Beasley officiating.

Born in 1929 in Sampson County, Margaret was the daughter of the late Lorenzo and Jesse Bell Darden and the widow of the love of her life, Robert Lee Oates. Margaret loved being a mother and grandmother, furthermore, working alongside her husband as they farmed and experimented with plants, flowers and crops. Margaret was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church and attended as her health permitted.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, Janet Oates Carter, and husband, Dennis of Clinton; two grandsons: Tyler Carter, and fiancé, Madison Satterfield of Fuquay Varina and Will Carter, and wife, Anna Catherine of Cary; and one special great-grandson, Reid Carter.

In addition to her parents and husband, Robert, she was preceded in death by two sisters: Dorothy Darden and Celestine Pollock; and two brothers: Paul E. Darden and Perry Darden.

The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery and other times at the home of Janet and Dennis Carter, 106 Foxcroft Ct. Clinton, NC.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials in Margaret’s memory may be made to Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in c/o Judye Tart, 45 Panhandle Rd., Faison, NC., 28341.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.royalhallfuneralhome.com

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Oates family.