Eleanor Elam Cloyd, 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, North Carolina. Born in Cleveland County, Eleanor was the beloved daughter of the late Camre Nelson Elam and Ruth Caldwell Elam.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Katherine Washburn and Nancy Morgan, and by her brothers, William "Bill" Elam and James "Jim" Elam.

Eleanor graduated from Piedmont High School in 1960 and continued her education at Howard Business College.

To know Eleanor was to love her. With a warm heart and a gentle soul, she never met a stranger. Her laughter filled every room, and her thoughtful nature left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She found joy in life's simple pleasures like reading a good book, tending to her flowers or sharing stories with family and friends.

A woman of faith, Eleanor was a devoted member of Central United Methodist Church and active in the Wesley Sunday School Class, For over ten years she was a member of The Cleveland County Choral Society. Her church family was dear to her heart, and she cherished her time spent in fellowship.

Eleanor also brought her warmth and kindness to the Hallmark store on Lafayette Street in Shelby, where her smile and caring spirit lit up the store.

Above all, Eleanor loved her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Franklin Eugene Cloyd, Jr.; her children, Ray Cloyd (Kim), Todd Cloyd (Stacey), and Amy Androliakos (Damien); her grandchildren, Joshua Cloyd, Haley Routh, Matthew Cloyd, Amber Cloyd, Adam Cloyd, and Benjamin Androliakos; and her great-grandchildren, Isla Cloyd and Beckett Routh. She is also survived by her loving sister, Sarah Williams.

A celebration of Eleanor's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, September 16, 2025, in the Chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory, with Rev. David Lee officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Eleanor's memory to Central United Methodist Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Cloyd family.