Margaret Ann Connolly, 79, of Hiddenite, N.C., passed away August 31, 2025, at home following an extended illness. She was born in Iredell County on July 13, 1946, to the late George Anderson Duke and Naomi Benfield Duke.

Margaret was an avid animal lover. She enjoyed playing bingo and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of Carsons Chapel.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, George Duke, Troy Duke, Roy Duke, and Billy Duke; and two sisters, Helen Pennington and Eva Marie Benfield.

Survivors include her husband of 37 years, Robert Lee Connolly of the home; one son, Stacy Ryan Hughes, and his wife Lela of Roan Mountain, Tenn.; one daughter, Lisa Hughes Rogers, and her husband Rodney of Hiddenite; one sister, Mary Pennington of South Carolina; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Carsons Chapel Methodist Church (1551 Carsons Chapel Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681) at 4 p.m. Pastor Jeff Carson will officiate. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at the church. Pallbearers are Stacy Hughes, Jonathon Hughes, Rodney Rogers, Gunnar Rogers, Hagen Slaight, and Tanner Hughes.

Memorials may be given to Alexander Hospice, 50 Lucy Echerd Lane, Taylorsville NC 28681.

Chapman Funeral Home is serving the Connolly family.