Hilda Hatley Crayton

Hilda Hatley Crayton, 85, of Locust walked on with grace, dignity, and adoration from this earthly world on March 1, 2021, in her home, with her daughter and grandson by her side. Hilda was born on July 22, 1935, in Stanly County (Ridgecrest), North Carolina, to the late Isaac Hatley and Malinda Huneycutt Hatley. Upon marrying her high school sweetheart, Keith Crayton, in 1953, she and Keith shortly moved to Locust where she resided in the same home for the rest of her earthly life. All who knew Hilda knew how much she loved her family, loved her friends, and loved life. Hilda was truly a selfless caregiver at her core, who was always looking for ways to genuinely help others. Hilda truly loved people. She was a member of Mission Baptist Church for more than 65 years. Hilda worked for over 30 years as a factory worker in various hosiery mills in Stanly County. She retired as a supervisor in the finishing department at Cory Knitting Mills in Locust. Hilda loved "being on the move," as she would tell everyone, and found no pleasure in sitting still. Among her favorite activities were dancing, walking, and taking the most pride in her yard work. She was the best cook, green thumb, and seamstress. She was an amazing, strong woman who was capable of anything. In addition to her parents, Hilda was also preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Keith Crayton. As the baby of ten children, she was also preceded in death by her nine brothers and sisters. She is survived by her only child, Kelly Crayton Lambert (and husband, Butch), of Locust, and her only grandchild, Joshua Gardner (and husband, Matthew Cox), of Greenville, NC. She is also survived by two additional granddaughters, Candice Lambert Mullins (Jeremy), of Locust, and Deidre Lambert Blevins (Scott), of Midland, as well as four great-grandchildren, Boston, Canaan, and Ethan Mullins and Brady Blevins. Hilda is also survived by her niece (who was more like her sister), Linda Efird, of Albemarle. Additionally, Hilda is survived by her life companion of the past 25 years, George Harrington, of Peachland. Per her lifelong wishes, the family will host a private celebration of life to honor the life and legacy of this wonderful woman. Stanly Funeral Home of Locust is assisting the Crayton family during this time.