Masako (Zaha) Locke

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Masako Locke at the age of 85. She slipped away peacefully at her home on January 30, 2024, under the loving care of her devoted son, David, and his wife, Michelle. Also, the mother of cherished daughters Cynthia (Keith) and the late Deborah (Ed), Masako is survived by her siblings Sachiko, Masayuki, Masahiro, Masamithsu, and Masatoshi; her grandchildren Matthew, Justin, Chrissy, and Jessica; great-grandchildren Meghan, Ella, River, and Atleigh and her great-great-granddaughter Annie. She is predeceased by her grandchildren, Ellen and Cooper. Masako loved her family deeply and frequently expressed her appreciation for them.

Masako was born and raised in Okinawa, Japan, to Saiso and Yukiko Zaha. She met Kenneth Locke in Naha, where they married in 1957 and moved to Fayetteville. They spent 56 years together, making wonderful family memories. Masako was predeceased by her beloved husband in 2013.   

Masako delighted in gardening and sharing her harvests. She enjoyed watching sporting events on TV, Sumo tournaments, soccer, basketball, golf, and the Olympics. Still, most of all, she was a fan of baseball and a super fan of the L.A. Angels’ pitcher Shohei Ohtani. Masako was a skilled seamster and a lifelong Fayetteville Okinawa Kenjin Kai member and volunteer. She treasured her time with family and friends and will be remembered for her courage, curiosity, humour, faith and wise Okinawan ingenuity.  As a Christian, her life was a living example of the Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 — “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as in Christ God has forgiven you.”

The family will receive friends from 12 pm to 1 pm on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.  A Funeral service will follow at 1pm in the Jernigan-Warren Chapel.  Burial will follow at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

Flowers and memorial gifts to the Atleigh Locke Education Fund are welcome but not necessary. 

Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

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