Loya Alice Locklear

Our precious mother, “Granny” Loya A. Johnson Locklear, passed away peacefully in her home in Raeford, North Carolina on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

Granny, as she was known to all who did not call her momma, became Granny first, affectionately by her husband, then by all, long before her first grandchild. 

Granny devoted her life to her late husband, Benny Locklear, Sr., her children, and grandchildren, both gained by blood and love. Her grandchildren were the light of her world. She loved feeding everyone; food was her love language. She often "went in concert" and loved listening to her music. Granny enjoyed home improvement/ crafting projects done by her and ideas she enlisted others' help on. 

Born Loya Alice Johnson on December 18, 1956, the daughter of Martha "Alice" Midgett Bundy of Rodanthe, NC, and the late Norman Loy Johnson.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Benny Locklear, Sr., father Norman L. Johnson, sister Valerie "Lynn" Hardy, and brother “Ronnie” Ronald Johnson.  

In addition to her loving mother, Alice Bundy, Loya leaves behind her children, son Benny Locklear, Jr., fiancé Claude Naar, daughter Dusty Star Graham, husband Ansol Graham, Jr, and children, son Derek Dwayne Locklear, fiancé Christy Hill, and children, son Ashley Dewight Locklear, wife Megan Locklear and children, Winona Locklear, significant other Jimmy McMillan, and children, and Christian Dayne Locklear, and children. 

Granny was blessed with three bonus daughters: Tonia Oxendine, children and grandchildren; Cathy Cox, children and grandchildren; and Lisa Jacobs, husband, and children.

She is also survived by siblings, brother Roger Johnson, and children; sister "Jen" Jennifer Eckard, husband Skye Eckard, and children.

She is mourned by a host of family, brothers, and sisters-in-law, including her long-time neighbors and best friends Louis and Lori Locklear, and sister-in-law Dora Locklear, as well as many others, family members and friends without whom we could not have made it through this time of deep sadness and mourning. 

We want to thank all those who visited and prayed with her, brought food, and showed her great love. We thank you all, and we are eternally grateful.

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