Greta Crayton

1936 - 2025

Greta Anna Crayton (née Melvin), age 89, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, in Dunn, North Carolina. A proud daughter of Durham, North Carolina, Greta was born on March 8, 1936, and spent her entire life dedicated to service-of her country, her faith, her family, and her community.

A trailblazer from a young age, Greta was the first woman in Durham County to join the armed forces after World War II. She served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Her service was marked not only by duty but also by honor and pride-she was selected to model the Air Force uniform and participate in a beauty contest at Lackland, a testament to her poise and presence. Greta remained deeply connected to the military community throughout her life. She volunteered as Vice Chair of the American Legion Children and Youth Commission and was an honorary member of the Americanism Council, roles through which she empowered young people and advocated for patriotic values.

Following her military service, Greta embarked on a long and successful career with IBM beginning in 1965. As a word processing specialist, she brought dedication and precision to her work for over three decades before retiring. Her professional life reflected the same commitment to excellence that defined every aspect of her journey.

Greta's faith was central to her life. A devout Christian, she was an active member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Erwin, North Carolina. There, she found spiritual sisterhood through The Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK), Miriam Chapter-an organization of more than 30,000 women committed to prayer, service, and evangelism. Greta embraced this mission wholeheartedly, sponsoring speakers and events that promoted Christian values and inspired others to live lives of purpose and devotion.

Her legacy is one of unwavering service-to God, country, and community. Greta regularly participated in local Veterans Day memorial services and mentored young women considering military service. She took great pride in encouraging others to experience the opportunities she had embraced so fully.

Greta was also a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She is lovingly remembered by her granddaughter Megan Bradley of Anchor Point, Alaska, her niece Carolyn Hannon of Milton, Delaware, nephew James Scott Winther of Slidell, Louisiana, her sister Camille Snow of Kernersville, North Carolina and brother Emil Melvin of Ivydale, West Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Charles Kenneth Crayton; her only son Robert Crayton; her niece Susan Irene Johnson, her sister Kathryn Jackson; her brother James Filmore Melvin, Jr.; her mother Virginia Talton Melvin; and her father James Filmore Melvin, Sr..

In keeping with her lifelong commitment to education and service, Greta made one final generous contribution: she donated her body to the Duke University School of Medicine so that future physicians might learn from her even after death. She will be honored with gratitude at Duke Chapel by university students and faculty following their studies, tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of May 2, 2027.

Special thanks to Skinner & Smith Funeral Home in Dunn, North Carolina for their professional care and thoughtful support of family and friends and coordination with Duke University School of Medicine.

Greta Anna Crayton's life was a testament to courage, faith, and selflessness. May her memory bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew her as her soul Rests in Peace with her loving Savior and Our Lord Jesus Christ.