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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Nancy, I am deeply saddened to learn about the loss of Steve. My heart, thoughts and prayers reach out to you and your family.
Nancy and family I am sorry to hear of the passing of your love one. may the LORD comfort and strengthen you all during your time of grief. Love and prayers
My deepest condolences to Nancy, his children and family.
I so enjoyed my time in Morganton with Steve! When I served as pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church, Steve was extremely helpful and supportive of our ministry and mission.. Lunchtime hamburgers at Pat’s was a weekly feast with Steve. His love for the church and the city were always admired. We’ve lost a good man!
Steve was my dear friend, and a true gentleman. I admired and respected his enthusiasm for life and for accomplishing anything he set out to do. He had a delightful wit that always brought a smile to us all. My most sincere condolences to you Nancy, and to your wonderful daughters, Steve was so proud of them. God bless you all, Sincerely, Charlie