Jennie Memakis Galantis

Jennie Memakis Galantis, 97, of Morehead City, North Carolina, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

Jennie was an infant when she arrived in Morehead City with her Greek Immigrant parents, John and Katina Memakis. Ten years later her beloved sister, Thelma, was born. The family worked diligently, and from a small sandwich stand, successfully established a popular restaurant/hotel business, the Busy Bee Cafe and Hotel Fort Macon. True to the name, the cafe fed many locals and tourists for over fifty years. Located downtown, on the 7th block of Arendell, it was sadly destroyed by fire in the early 70's.

Besides their admirable work ethic, Jennie's parent were faithful Christians and raised their daughters as such. Their civic-mindedness, hospitality, friendliness, and beneficent natures endeared them to the people of Morehead City who accepted them with open hearts. As well as being members of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wilmington, NC, they often attended the First Methodist Church in Morehead City. 

Jennie graduated with academic and attendance honors from Morehead City High School. Her class of 1944 was the last class privileged to receive a high school diploma for graduation in 11 years. She attended Woman's College (University of North Carolina at Greensboro) focusing on Business, which helped the family enterprise. Later she worked in the local school system primarily tutoring students who needed additional assistance in reading and math. As a member of the MC Order of the Eastern Star, she was devoted to religious, charitable, and educational purposes.

During World War II, Nicholas Galantis, a young soldier of Greek descent, was sent with the 111th Infantry to help patrol and defend the Crystal Coast from German submarines. While stationed in Morehead City, Nick met Jennie and fell in love.

He returned from his deployment in the South Pacific and married her. They were happily married for 64 years.

Nick was a major part of the continued success of their business. In addition, he was devoted to his new hometown and spent much time involved in various civic organizations helping to improve the school system and the community. A city commissioner for over 30+ years, mayor pro-tern for many years, and appointed mayor, his love for Morehead City was witnessed daily by the grateful citizens.

Among the many local, state, and out-of-state awards he received, he was honored to become a Member of the Elite Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Additionally, two streets in Morehead received names in his honor, Galantis Drive and Symi Circle, the name of the island of his birth.

Jennie whose wonderful sense of humor, and incredible strength of character was unwavering support and love to her husband, daughter and family. She loved life and enjoyed traveling with her family. Their annual summer trips to Symi, Greece were a big part of their lives. Her love for traveling was happily passed on to her daughter.

She will always be remembered as a person who was full of laughter, always had a positive outlook, could magically find solutions to potential problems, and focused on finding the “silver lining to any cloud".

She is survived by her loving daughter, Nikki K.J. Galantis, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families living throughout the U.S. and Greece. 

Jennie was predeceased by her husband, Nicholas J. Galantis, her parents, and her sister, Thelma Memakis Barnette.

A funeral service to honor Ms. Galantis’ life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 31st in the chapel at Munden Funeral Home in Morehead City, the Reverend Father Steven Klund, priest of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wilmington, officiating. A committal service will follow at Bayview Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through her obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 608 South College Road, Wilmington, N.C. 28403, or charity of one’s choice.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.