Mrs. Joyce “Merlene” Hilton, 82, of Granite Falls walked into Heaven, Saturday October 8, 2022, after leaving her earthly body at her home.
Mrs. Hilton was born May 31, 1940 in Catawba County, NC to the late Merrill Teague and Joyce Spencer Teague. She was an advocate for handicap rights and accessibility, holding the title of Ms. NC Wheelchair from 1989 to 1990. She attended several events as Ms. NC Wheelchair, including the opening of the first handicap accessible beach in North Carolina. She was also the 1989 Granite Falls Business Woman of the Year. Mrs. Hilton was an active member of Grace Chapel United Methodist Church. She previously worked as a substitute teacher and helped manage the family construction company.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Max Hilton; son, Von Hilton; and brothers, Dewey Teague and Wayne Teague.
Survivors include her son, Kip Hilton and wife Alicia of Granite Falls; three grandsons, Kolt Hilton, Karson Hilton, and Koby Hilton; granddaughter, Alexis Buchanan and husband Adam of Granite Falls; great grandsons, Abel Buchanan and Asa Buchanan; great granddaughter, Aurelia Buchanan; and sister, Ann Henderson of Greensboro.
A funeral service will be held 3:00PM Friday, October 14, 2022 at Grace Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Phillip Hefner and Rev. David Nolan officiating.
Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends prior to the service on Friday from 2:00PM to 3:00PM at Grace Chapel United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Grace Chapel United Methodist Church at 4336 Grace Chapel Rd. Granite Falls, NC 28630.