Elgie McLamb Ellis Raynor

Mrs. Elgie McLamb Ellis Raynor, age 89, passed away, surrounded by the love of grandchildren, on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Piedmont Crossing Nursing Center in Thomasville, NC, where she was welcomed into the arms of the Lord. 

Mrs. Raynor was born on September 18, 1935, in Johnston County, NC, to the late L.F. “Lonnie” McLamb and Lula Johnson McLamb. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, J.B. Raynor; her son, Rayford A. Ellis; three brothers and three sisters.

Survivors include two grandchildren, Melody Deang and husband Jonathan, Jonathan Ellis and wife Amanda, all of Thomasville; three great-granddaughters, Taylor Ellis, Emilia Deang, and Sophie Deang; many nieces and nephews. 

Mrs. Raynor worked at Diamond A.L. Hosiery Company in High Point, NC, as well as at Carolina Packers and White Swan in Smithfield, NC. A devoted member of Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church, she carried an unwavering passion for the Lord that was evident and contagious to all who knew her. She also had a deep love for gardening, finding peace and joy in tending to her flowers. Whether nurturing her garden or her faith, she approached both with dedication and care, consistently showing the love of Jesus to those around her.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson with Rev. Luke Copeland officiating. Entombment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Benson. The family will greet friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45 AM at the funeral home. 

Elgie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the staff of Piedmont Crossing for the exceptional care they provided, as well as for their loving support during the difficult time of Elgie’s son passing. Additionally, the family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church for their unwavering care and loving support for many years during Elgie’s time in Johnston County, and for the continued love and prayers she received even after she moved to reside with her son at Piedmont Crossing in Thomasville.

Elgie lived with her son at Piedmont Crossing from October 2024 until her passing on February 15, 2025, just 17 days after her son’s death. In her final days, she expressed a longing to be with Jesus, her Savior, and her son, Tommy, knowing that this was where she truly belonged. Now, she rests in Heaven, surrounded by the love of her Savior and reunited with her son.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.