Maggie Carswell Toney

Maggie Carswell Toney, age 94, of the Sunshine Community went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 while being surrounded by her family.

Maggie was born Monday, February 22, 1932 in Morganton, NC to the late Isaiah Carswell and Callie Mace Carswell. She attended Salem Elementary and Salem High School and worked in textiles for many years. After retirement, she became a caregiver to many young children as she offered home-cooked meals, snacks and plenty of outside playtime. She loved and cared for each one, and they all affectionately called her, “Maw Maw Maggie.” She and her husband, Pastor James Earl Toney played a primary role of the founding and organizing of Ross Hill Baptist Church. She was always at her husband’s side helping him minister to others as they visited the sick and supported members during hard times. Maggie was the Beginners Class Sunday School Teacher for many years and enjoyed singing alto in the church choir. She formed a singing group which included her husband, brother-in-law and uncle. Later after James’ death the group consisted of his two brothers and their uncle. Above all Maggie was a prayer warrior and believed in crying out aloud to her Lord. She did not believe that her goodness could get her to heaven, but her salvation depended totally on placing her faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. She strove to do and live her utmost best for her Savior. Maggie was a lifelong student of God’s Word.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of over thirty years, Reverend James Earl Toney; sisters, Ruth Wheeler, Ruby Grooms and Vernie Gaddy; brothers, Wilson, Conley and Robert Isaiah Carswell.

Those left to honor her legacy include her precious children, Connie Toney Fisher (Hugh) of Sunshine, Rita Dianne Toney of Sunshine and James Arnold Toney of Tampa, Florida; sister, Faye McPeters of Morganton; grandchildren, Emily Fisher Edwards (Nathan) and Anna Fisher Bailey (Ryan); great grandchildren, Callie Grace Edwards, Elijah Duncan Edwards and Maggie Lynn Bailey.

The funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Monday, September 14th at Ross Hill Baptist Church with Reverend Nathan Edwards, Reverend Josh Russell and Reverend Sammy Lawson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church.