Parthenia Chitty Gurganious

Parthenia Chitty Gurganious was born on March 29, 1928, in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, the sixth of seven children born to the late Ola Aubrey and Eva Boyette Chitty. She entered her eternal rest surrounded by love and faith, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast devotion and grace.

In addition to her parents, Parthenia was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Thomas Gurganious Sr.; her great-grandchildren, Janie Nicole Clabough and Joseph Franklin Clabough; her sisters, Ola A. Duncan, Bettie Chappell, and Frances Hinnant; and her brothers, Malcolm, Redmond, and Charles Chitty.

Parthenia is survived by her beloved children, Joseph Thomas Gurganious Jr. and his wife, Cassie; Teresa Parthenia Gurganious Miranda and her husband, Charles; Peggy Louise Gurganious Clabough and her husband, Douglas; and David Aubrey Gurganious and his wife, Jane. She was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, deeply cherishing each generation that followed her.

A graduate of Murfreesboro High School, Parthenia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics from Women’s College, now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, in 1949. While there, she was inducted into the Square Circle, an honor recognizing her excellence and leadership.

Parthenia lived a life marked by faith, service, and love for others. She served her church faithfully in many roles, including as a Sunday School teacher for older adults and as a Girls’ Auxiliary leader. Beyond the church, she also guided youth as a Cub Scout and Brownie leader. Her dedication to community and compassion for others were further recognized when she was inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.

Her life reflected the truth of Psalm 1:1–3, that the one who delights in the law of the Lord “is like a tree planted by streams of water.” She stood firm through every season, finding her strength and refuge in the Lord, as declared in Psalm 18:2.

Her favorite hymn, Because He Lives, was both her testimony and her song of hope. Above all, Parthenia’s greatest joy was her faith and her family, especially her children and grandchildren who were the heart of her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/givehope.