Sylvia Dial

Sylvia Carter Dial, 72, of 1001 Piney Grove Road, Lumberton, North Carolina, entered her eternal rest on July 11, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on June 12, 1953, to the late Freeman Carter and Ella Jane Carter. Sylvia was best known to many as “Big Gal.”

Sylvia was a proud daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Though small in stature, she was mighty in spirit — a true firecracker with a heart of gold and a backbone made of steel. If you were from Saddletree or the surrounding areas, you already knew: Big Gal didn’t play. She never went anywhere without her pistol, she slept with one by her side, and she could hold her own — and everyone knew it.

She had a sharp tongue, told you exactly how she felt without hesitation, and didn’t care who you were. But beneath that tough exterior was a woman full of love, loyalty, and fierce protection for her family and friends. Sylvia might tell you off today and feed you a plate of food tomorrow — that’s just who she was.

Before her health declined, Sylvia was known for her incredible cooking and she cooked enough to feed anyone who walked through the door. You weren’t allowed in her kitchen while she cooked — and you knew better than to try. Her house was always spotless, full of love, laughter, and rules you didn’t dare break.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Freeman and Ella Jane Carter; her brother, Freeman Carter Jr.; her sister, Myrtle Rose Locklear; and two grandsons she loved and cherished deeply, Kendron B. Locklear and Brannagan Kai Locklear.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 54 years, R. Gust “Monkey” Dial, who stood faithfully by her side through every season of life — especially in her final days. Their love was deep, enduring, and a true testament to commitment.

She is survived by her children: Glenn Carter and Heath Dial, both of Lumberton, NC; and Billie Deese, of Little River, SC, her special grandson raised as a son, Brandon Locklear (Kyara) of Fayetteville, NC. Brandon held a permanent and irreplaceable place in her life.

She is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Bonnie Smith of Winston-Salem, NC,  Leon Carter (Jackie),  Pandora Carter, Vivian Drew, and Cynthia Chavis (her twin sister ) all of Lumberton, NC. Her surviving in-laws are, Peggy Emanuel (David), Millie Jones (Joe), Tammy Tyler (Carlie), Dorothy Jane Carter, Clementine Dial, and Scottie Dial, all of Lumberton, NC.

Her legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren, grandsons, Kenlee, Sequoyah, Cody, Jacob, Kyland, and Braxton, all of Lumberton, NC, granddaughters, Bailee and Harper, of Little River, SC; and Alaina, Sofia, and Kennedy, all of Fayetteville, NC.

Sylvia also leaves behind one precious great-grandson, McKaezon Locklear (Little Kai) along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She will be dearly missed by many, including her lifelong friends, Laura Ann, Connie Hammonds, Rita Chavis, Diane Stephens, and Cindy Armstrong, who stood by her side through life’s joys and trials.

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