Marquita McGowan Furlough

Marquita McGowan Furlough, lovingly known by her five grandchildren as “Little Momma,” and also known as “Diva” for her love of looking snazzy and always being dressed her best, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, in Edenton, North Carolina, with her granddaughters Jessica and Samantha by her side. In her final moments, she was granted the greatest gift, to be united with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Marquita was born on December 11, 1935. She later made her home in Edenton, North Carolina, where she spent many years enjoying the simple things in life and the people she loved most.

She showed her love not through big things, but through everyday life and being there, helping, and caring.She taught her family how to be fearless and how to work hard, and those lessons will live on for generations.

She loved being outdoors, especially mowing her lawn, working in her yard, and tending to her flowers. She especially loved roses and had a true green thumb for growing all things. She took great pride in her home and yard. She was strong, independent, and always kept herself busy.

She is survived by her daughters, Gwen Valentine and Anne Furlough; her grandchildren, Marquita Winslow, Samantha Valentine, Justin Harrell, Jessica Beasley, and Josh Harrell; along with great-grandchildren and extended family who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Jefferson Furlough, who passed away on February 15, 1996.

Marquita was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service.

Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many friends who helped care for her in her later years. A special thank you to Vicki Lane, her most trusted and longest helping confidant, whose friendship, care, and loyalty meant so much to her and to our family.

She passed surrounded by love, and though her family will miss her deeply, they find comfort knowing she is at peace.

The world feels different without her, but heaven feels more like home.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC is assisting the Furlough family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com