Elizabeth (Lyles) Plush

Mother Elizabeth (Lyles) Plush, age 92 of Sanford, NC transitioned to eternal rest Friday, January 19, 2024, at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford, NC. 

Mother Elizabeth Lyles Plush, daughter of the late Willie and Genettie Lyles, was born, October 23, 1931 in Lugoff County, South Carolina.  She answered her call to her Heavenly Home on January 19, 2024.

Mother Elizabeth Plush graduated from W. B. Wicker High School, Sanford, NC, class of 1950.

She worked at Singer Furniture Company for many years.  After leaving the manufacturing industry she began her passion for caring for children.  She opened Plush’s Daycare as well as taking on the roll of a Foster Care parent where she fostered several children and provided childcare to numerous children in the surrounding area of Lee County. After retiring from her own childcare business and foster care she continued to work with Get Smart childcare as a cook.  Upon ending her time in childcare, she continued her well- known passion of cooking, feeding and inviting all who came by to enjoy good meals with her.

Mother Plush accepted Christ at an early age. She was a faithful member of the St. Mark United Church of God where she wore many hats.  She served under the leadership of the late Bishop O. C. Crone and the late Elder E. H. Bright.  She continued to serve under the late Overseer Bennie Curry and the late Mother Alice Curry and currently under the leadership of Elder Malcolm and Evangelist Emma Curry.  She served as Sunday School Teacher of the beginners/primary where she would say “Good morning, Class. The subject of our lesson is…”,  and EVERYONE had to share what they learned.  She also served as President of the Sunshine Band, President of the Usher Board, Secretary of the Missionary Department, Member of the Mark Gospel Singers, Member of the Kitchen Committee and Mother’s Board. As a result of her commitment and drive as an usher she became Vice President of the Usher Board for the United Church of God, Southern District. In this capacity she worked closely alongside, the usher President and her dear friend, Sis Dorothy Cole while cherishing every moment. She traveled throughout the Southern District teaching, advising and motivating ushers how to serve in this capacity.  Her enthusiasm for ushering resonated across the many churches that she had an opportunity to fellowship with.

Mother Plush was preceded in death by her parents Willie and Genettie Lyles, son, Christopher Plush, siblings: James Gibbs, Annie Harrell, Leo Frazier, Lindell Lyles, John Lyles, Mary Lois Jackson, Lila Clegg, and Ben Lyles; granddaughter, Tremillia Reaves; son in-law, Michael Reaves.

She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Gladys Reaves, Sanford, NC, two sons, Dr. Larry Lyles (Pat), Glendale, Md., Donald Plush, Sanford, NC, special niece, Cecilia Taylor, grandchildren; Donnie Plush, Monica Alston (James), Michael Reaves, Jr. (Lalani), Don-Pierre Plush, Jelani Lyles, Bakari Lyles, Kezia Clark, Jace Plush, Camryn Plush; eight great grands, one great, great-grand. A host of nieces, nephews and friends.  We weren’t ready for her to go but we find peace in knowing she gets her true rest with the Lord. 

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