Jewell Plyler Lambert's Obituary
Jewell Plyler Lambert, age 92, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on the evening of May 13, 2026.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday May 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Main Street United Methodist Church, visitation will be prior from 10:00-10:45 AM at the church. Burial will follow the service at Stanly Gardens of Memory.
Jewell was born to James Blair Plyler and Retha Lowder Plyler. She grew up as part of a large and loving family and shared a special bond with her twin brother, James Ewell Plyler.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dillon Wade Lambert; her infant son, Jeffery Dillon Lambert; her parents; and all of her siblings: John Harold Plyler (Marie), Rosselle Plyler (Rachel), Elworth Plyler (Dotty), Louise Plyler Bates (Alvin), Hazel Plyler Ridenhour (L.D.), and James Ewell Plyler (Ethel).
Jewell is survived by her son, Blair Wade Lambert (Melinda Moose Lambert); and her daughter, Amy Lambert Owens (Donnie Owens).
She is also survived by her granddaughters, Erica Owens Phillips (Adam), Staci Blair Davis (Landon Walter), Megan Louise Owens, and Katie Lambert Lowder (Houston).
Her great-grandchildren, listed in birth order, are Amy Elizabeth Owens, Parker Wade Davis, Haden Wade Phillips, Maverick Todd Lowder, Lillian James Phillips, and Harlee Grace Davis.
She is also remembered with love by special family members Retha Bates Ross, Peggy Plyler Isenhour, Larry Plyler, and Gerald Bates.
Jewell graduated from New London High School, where she was captain of the women’s basketball team, standing barely five feet tall but already showing the strength, determination, and leadership that would define her life. She later served as a substitute teacher for many years at Badin Elementary School and was a longtime member of Main Street United Methodist Church.
Jewell was truly one of a kind. She was a classy Southern lady who never left the house without being put together. Her fashion was timeless, her standards were high, and her personality was unforgettable. She was short, but she was absolutely in charge.
She took great pride in her home, which was always spotless, beautifully decorated, and carefully organized. Every detail mattered to her. Her home was warm and welcoming, with a completely set dinner table every day. Whether the family was stopping by for a visit or gathering for a meal, Jewel made sure things were done right.
She was a wonderful cook, and her pineapple cake was a family favorite. When family asked, “What can we bring?” she would always answer, “Containers for leftovers!” One of her favorite phrases was “feeding the flocks,” and that is exactly what she did throughout her life. She fed her family with food, but also with love, care, attention, and tradition.
Jewell loved her family fiercely. If you messed with her family, that was it. She told it like it was, often with her unforgettable Southern accent and her familiar phrase, “Oh my word.” She was particular, strong-willed, and expected things to be done well, but those who knew her also knew how deeply she loved.
She was active well into her 90s, enjoying bunco, canasta, weekly dinners with friends, and time at the senior center. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed many cruises and vacations with her husband, Dillon, creating memories and stories her family would treasure.
More than anything, Jewel showed up for her family. She was present for ballgames, dance recitals, prom pictures, confirmations, baptisms, and every special moment she could attend. She took pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her love for them was steady, strong, and unmistakable.
Pallbearers will be Parker Davis, Adam Phillips, Houston Lowder, Landon Walter, Blair Lambert, and Donnie Owens.
Honorary pallbearers will be Haden Phillips and Maverick Lowder.
Jewell’s life was filled with faith, family, tradition, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, beauty, humor, and devotion that will be treasured by all who knew and loved her.
In honor of Jewell’s faith and the friendships she cherished, memorials may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church or to the Albemarle Senior Center.
What’s your fondest memory of Jewell?
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Share a story where Jewell's kindness touched your heart.
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