Birth Date: 11/04/1942
Deceased Date: 06/06/2024
Laura Faye Dunn Massengill, age 81, died peacefully on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in her home with her family by her side. She was born, November 4, 1942, in Johnston County, NC. She was a daughter of the late Murphy Coleman and Donnie Mae Allen Dunn. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Durwood Rufus Massengill and sister, Patricia Dunn Worley. Mrs. Massengill was a member of Bethel Original Free Will Baptist Church, where she once served as the organist/pianist and church clerk.
She worked at Fieldcrest Mills, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office followed by North Carolina State University, where she retired from in 2010. She was the Staff Senate Chair at NCSU 2004/2005 and again 2008/2009. Highlights of her life were: her love for her family, church, playing piano, reading, Nascar racing, North Carolina State Wolfpack, the beach, cooking, working in the garden with flowers, watching hummingbirds, researching genealogy, history and traveling. She had an unsurpassed knowledge of all things involving history, especially that involving family and the community. She also graduated from Four Oaks School without missing one day of school. She was a beautiful soul and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
A private graveside service will be held at Bethel Original Free Will Baptist Church, with the Reverend Billy Nowell officiating along with John Allen. Interment to follow at Bethel Original Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery. A celebration of life reception will be held at a later date.
Surviving are her son, Jamie Durwood Massengill and wife, Crystal, of Coats, NC; two sisters, Sharon Byrd of Four Oaks, Beverly Bush and husband, Bob, of Alabama; niece, Shannon Lawhon (Troy); and two nephews, Travis Byrd (Lee) and Cole Bush; two great nieces, Ava Grace Lawhon and Emilee Byrd; as well as two great nephews, Matthew Lawhon and Van Byrd.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Johnston County Heritage Center for Genealogy Research, or to the Women’s Auxiliary of Bethel Original Free Will Baptist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.parrishfh.com or in writing to the C/O Jamie Durwood Massengill at 460 Mann Road, Coats, NC, 27521.
