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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So very sorry and sad to hear of Steve’s passing. He was such a gentleman and was so kind whenever we saw him. He never failed to speak. Our prayers are with Nancy and all his family.
My deepest condolences to Nancy and family. I always considered Steve to be a friend. May he rest in peace.
Nancy...I am so sorry to hear about Steve...He was a such a kind and friendly man....He will be missed....My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
My acquaintance with Steve began in 1980 when I joined "our" bank family. He was always a gentleman, loved to have a good time, honest, accomplished in his business, a true asset as a board member and chairman. His was a life well lived. My condolences to Nancy and the family.
Dear family, What a privilege to know Steve as a friend! He was the perfect role model as a spouse, parent, grandparent, son, Christian, and community servant. Steve loved his family, friends, and community beyond measure. Please accept our sincere condolences. May God bless you with comfort, courage, strength, and love as you go through this difficult time.
Prayers for your family that the Lord will give you peace and confort during this time of grieving. I work for UNC BR Cardiac Rehab where Steve was in our Maintenance Program after completing our Cardiac Rehab. He was a real sweet man and was always a friendly face to see coming in the door. He will truly be missed. Sincerely, Frances Eller
Steve was a very nice and respectful person. My brother Greg worked for him for around 25 years. I always liked stopping in the store to say hello and see what he was up to. Later when we would come in from Nebraska we would make sure to stop and see him. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Gods, Pease and Love
Steve was a good, kind and loyal friend to me and scores of others. His loss will be felt throughout the community that he loved and served so well. What many of us would have seen as limitations he saw as opportunities to be of service to God and his fellowman. His humor and his zest for life were contagious. Nancy, you, the girls and the grandchildren are being lifted up in prayer by those who were fortunate enough to have known him. He will be mourned by many, missed by many and remembered by many.