Steven Lavone Gregory was born on December 9,1950 to Lavone and Callie Isenhower Gregory. Steve graduated from Morganton High School in 1968 and received a BA degree from High Point University in 1972. He then attended the Gemological Institute of America in Santa Monica, Ca where he obtained a Graduate Gemologist degree. Steve joined the family business, Gregory Jewelers Inc. where he became President in 1983. Steve was a member of the American Gem Society and was President of the North Carolina Guild of the American Gem Society in 1999. He was also a longtime board member of the North Carolina Jewelers Association and served as President in 2000.
Among his various local endeavors, Steve was a member of the Morganton Jaycees and the Morganton Elks Lodge. He was an avid pilot and golfer for many years and was a member of Mimosa Hills Country Club where he served as President in 1998. He was appointed to the First Citizens Bank Board in 1980 and served as Chairman of the Board starting in 1998.
He also served on the Beatrice Cobb Trust since 2003. He was a lifelong, active member of Calvary Lutheran Church and served in various roles. Steve was appointed to the Morganton Alcoholic Beverage Control Board in 1982 and served as vice-chairman and chairman.
Steve was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Hartsog Gregory, two daughters Briana Gregory Czerwinski of Wilmington, NC, Brooke Ledford of Holly Springs, NC, two granddaughters, Brynna Ledford and Bree Ledford, and three grandsons, Lincoln Czerwinski, Maxwell Czerwinski, and Callahan Czerwinski.
The family will receive friends from 4pm until 6pm, Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 11am, Friday, April 10, 2026 at Calvery Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul Carlson officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Calvary Lutheran Church.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I am heartbroken to read of Steve’s passing. He looked me up in Wilmington and over a wonderful lunch overlooking the Cape Fear river we reminisced about our class in school and he filled me in on all my friends in Morganton. I was hoping to have more visits with him when he visited his daughter in Wilmington. I have been wondering why I haven’t heard from him. My heart goes out to his wife, family and friends. He was such a warrior.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Mr. Gregory at the jewelry store growing up. I believe he pierced my ears. He always had a smile on his face and was always so friendly.
I grew up in Morganton, and my parents worked downtown and near downtown, so I spent time around downtown with them. We always went to Gregory Jewelers, and I have such fond childhood memories of Steve Gregory helping and joking with us. I was sorry to hear of his death and am sending much love to his family. He is certainly a core memory from Morganton for me.
Our condolences and heartfelt sympathy go out to Nancy and family. Steve was a remarkable man.; he was so accomplished and strong. We had great respect for all he did for our community. We know he will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
Our condolences to Nancy, Briana, Brooke and their families. Steve was a wonderful man and friend. We love all of you and are glad we maintained our friendship for many years after leaving NC. He will be missed by us and so many other people. Steve, we love you and will see you on the other side + Bob and Diane Cannoles
My condolences to his lovely family. Such a good man, I could never thank him enough for everything he and his mother did for me.
Such a good man. I could never thank him enough for all he did for me and my family.