Lois K. Philyaw

Lois Kathleen Philyaw, an embodiment of God’s love, was reunited on Monday morning with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her beloved husband of 67 years, Elmer Philyaw, her father and mother, Rev. Leonard B. and Lottie Gragg Beane, 2 brothers, 3 sisters, and a parade of friends and relatives. Left to honor her memory are her sons Stephen and wife Rita, and Michael and wife Debra, sisters Ruth Widener, Lucenia (Pete) Chester, and Leonia (Jackie) Hall, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends. The grief and sorrow we feel pales in comparison to the joyous celebration taking place on the other side.

Lois was married at 16 in July 1941, to Elmer Philyaw. She moved to Oklahoma with him after he joined the Army. While there she worked as a waitress and unofficial counselor for the hundreds of military personnel who frequented her diner. She loved the job so much that she continued after Elmer was deployed overseas. This, she said, was her all time favorite job. She moved back to Caldwell County with Elmer and took a job at Blue Bell, Inc. She worked there during Blue Bells glory years of the 50’s and 60’s. She then went to work for Hammary Manufacturing, rising to the position of Sewing Room Supervisor, where she remained until she retired. After her retirement she and Elmer purchased a vacation spot near Holden Beach which was enjoyed by the entire family for many years.

Lois was a founding member of Mountain View Baptist Church which she attended for 30 years. She was active as a Sunday School teacher, WMU director, Bible School coordinator, and Christmas play director. Lois and Elmer then moved to Lakeview Baptist Church where she attended the remainder of her life. She was active in all aspects of the church. She especially loved singing. She began singing with the Beane Family as a child and continued her entire life, either in the choir or as a member of several quartets. She loved going to church and all the people who worshipped with her.

Lois’s visitation will take place at Pendry’s Funeral Home from 1 until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, with the funeral following immediately thereafter. Officiating will be Rev. Ron Burgett and Rev. Gyles Widener. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent to the Lakeview Baptist Church Building Fund, 325 Shasta Lane, Lenoir, NC 28645.

The family would like to thank the staff of Koinonia and the dedicated caregivers at Lenoir Healthcare and Caldwell Hospice and Pallative Care for their loving care of Lois.

Online condolences may be placed at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com

Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Lois Philyaw.