Phyllis May Liebold

Phyllis May Liebold, 81, of Franklin, North Carolina, on December 5, 2025, surrounded by her family, peacefully completed her earthly journey and is now in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior. Born on May 9, 1944, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Phyllis lived a life full of energy, creativity, and an unwavering love for her family and heritage.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Ernest William McCarthy; her children, Rebecca Sue Pender (Jeff) and Charles P. Liebold, Jr. (Janice); her siblings, Deborah Ann Taylor (J.C.), Eugene Frank Griffin, Jr., and Charles Ernest Griffin (Lu). Phyllis was cherished by her grandchildren—Jessie Lee Walczak (Jeff), Cody Alan Krug (Amber), Madison Rae Billiteri (Tommy), Ashlee Gayle Jones (Ira), and Megan Elizabeth Liebold (Felix)—as well as her nine great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. She also lovingly embraced her step-daughters—Danielle Ann Grimmett, Kimberly Lynn Clark, and Tiffany Rose Cleveland—and her eight step-grandchildren as part of her extended family.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her first husband, Charles P. Liebold, Sr.; her daughter, Betty Josephine Jones; her mother, Alice Virginia Griffin; her father, Eugene Frank Griffin, Sr. and biological father, Jack Gardner.

A gifted and accomplished saleswoman throughout her career, Phyllis was admired for her strength, drive, dedication, and natural ability to connect with people. Talented in many forms of expression dancing, roller skating, tennis, art, and crocheting—she filled her life and the lives of others with creativity and joy. She was known for her giving spirit, her contagious humor, and a smile bright enough to light the world around her.

Above all, Phyllis was proud of her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She held deep pride in her American Indian heritage and in being a first-generation American, values she passed on with love and gratitude.

In accordance with her wishes, no funeral service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society or the Cherokee Children’s Home in Cherokee, NC, honoring Phyllis’s lifelong love of dogs and her pride in her cultural heritage.

She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, resilience, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to shine in all who knew her.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Liebold family.