Martha “JoAnn” Propst Rayfield, age 86, of Hardin Road in Dallas, went to her Heavenly home on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Hardin Community Baptist Church with Rev. Fain Farmer and Rev. Justin Driver officiating.  Rev. Harvey Gates will officiate the graveside service at Hardin Community Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Mrs. Rayfield was born September 8, 1938, in Gaston County, to the late Clyde and Virginia Burton Propst.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings, Clyde Propst, Jr. and Nancy Teague, and sister-in-law, Pat Propst.  She retired as a typist for Brumley Printing Company in Gastonia. A lifelong member of Hardin Baptist Church, she taught Acteens, GAs and Sunday School.  She followed in her mother’s footsteps by being heavily involved in mission work, creating handmade cards for fellow church members as part of their card ministry.  JoAnn enjoyed crocheting, embroidery and sewing, among many other things.  One of her favorite hobbies was smocking for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She and her husband, William, also hand-whittled crosses that she lovingly gave out to those she cared for, a heartfelt expression of her faith and love for others.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, William Rayfield of the home; three daughters, Roxanne Davis (Robert) of Dallas, Charlotte Story (Alan) of Newton, and Carla McSwain (Ray) of Dallas; brothers, Carroll Propst (Ann) of Dallas, Steve Propst (Kathy) of Dallas, John Propst of Dallas, Keith Propst (Maxine), and Mike Propst of Dallas; brother-in-law, Carroll Teague of Dallas; eight grandchildren, Carl Davis, Nathan Davis (Mary), Jarett Story (Camryn), William McSwain, Laurie Story, AnnaMarie Davis, Virginia Rae McSwain, and Jeremiah McSwain; and great-grandchildren, Marshall and Elizabeth Davis. 

Memorials may be made to Hardin Community Baptist Church, 548 Hardin Road, Dallas, NC  28034. 

Condolences may be made in the comments section below 

Warlick Funeral Home is serving the Rayfield family.