Phyllis Mae (Dillard) Crayton

Phyllis Mae Dillard Crayton, 80, of China Grove, peacefully passed away Tuesday evening, August 1, 2023, at her home.

Born June 13, 1943, in Cherokee County, she was daughter of the late Claude Saul and Mamie Josephine Garrett Dillard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James Curtis Boone; sisters, Ella May Moss, Roberta Dillard and Alberta Earwood; and her brother, Elvin Dillard.

Phyllis was a 1961 graduate of AL Brown High and retired from the Rowan County Schools, where she was a much-loved cafeteria manager at Enochville Elementary. She kept a “gift jar”, collecting money to buy ice cream for less fortunate children. Phyllis enjoyed beach and  country music, dancing, and cruising in her convertible Chrysler LeBaron. She loved her family and spending time with her grandkids. Mrs. Crayton will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.

Family members include her husband, Gerald Crayton; her children, Erika Newsom (James), Daniel Boone (Jenny Busby), Melissa and Mandy Crayton; grandchildren, Kyle Newsom (Allie), Kayla Storey (Jordan), Joe Gibson, Madison and Kate Conway, Seth and Natalie Boone; her great grandchildren, Lottie, Tisa and Ruby Mae Newsom; Aidan, Aibhlinn, Aislinn and Elowyn Storey; and extended family members.

The family will receive friends Monday, August 7th from 1:00-2:00 pm at Whitley’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel, conducted by Pastor Rex Ware.  Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Association.

On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com

Whitley’s Funeral Home is serving the Crayton family.