This obituary was originally published on Rogers & Breece Funeral Home.
Teresa “Dyann” Blanton Croteau danced home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the age of 74 after battling a multitude of serious medical conditions. She passed away peacefully in her home in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She was surrounded by the love, laughter, and warmth of the steady stream of family and friends that cherished her. Dyann was born to the late Nathan “Bill” Coolidge Blanton and Evelyn Louise Fritz Blanton on August 13, 1950, at the old Highsmith Hospital “up on the hill” in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She graduated from 71st High School in 1969.
Dyann was eager to reunite with those loved ones that had gone before her. She is in heaven with her father, Nathan “Bill” C. Blanton; her oldest brother, Michael H. Blanton; her youngest brother, Mark D. Blanton; and sister-in-law, Alice M. Blanton.
Dyann leaves behind a legacy of service and love for those who remain to carry on in her honor. The seeds that she planted will continue to bloom through those she loved dearly. She is survived by her favorite daughter, Evelyn “Michele” Croteau-Hupp and her wife, Joseé, of Fayetteville, North Carolina; her favorite son, Richard “Rick” Wayne Croteau, Jr. (Ricky Wayne) and his wife, Pauline, of , Georgia; her older brother, David C. Blanton and his late wife, Alice; her beloved, younger, favorite sister, Marilyn B. Hutson and her husband, Bobby “Bob”; her younger brother, Nathan D. Blanton; her sister-in-law, Cathy Blanton and late husband, Michael; and another sister-in-law, Wendy Blanton and late husband, Mark, all of Fayetteville, North Carolina. In addition to her immediate family, she leaves five grandchildren- Savannah M. Krack and her husband, David; Haylee R. Croteau; and Wesley T. Croteau, all of North Pole, Alaska. And from Bethlehem, Georgia, she leaves behind Ryan P. Uhrich; and Mackenzie “Kenzie” E. Uhrich. Her heart filled with joy when she met her two great-granddaughters, Kimber and Kendra Krack of North Pole, Alaska. Excitement is an understatement when she learned that Haylee would be delivering another great-grandchild in 2025 who will reside in North Pole, Alaska. Dyann leaves nine nephews and two nieces who reside in Burgaw, Lillington, Linden, and Fayetteville, North Carolina. She is survived by her former husband (the father of her beloved children) Richard W. Croteau, Sr. and his wife, Deborah, of Murphy, North Carolina.
Dyann loved everyone and especially her “adopted” family Gloria L. Alvey and her husband James R. Mahanna III, and their child, Piper E. Mahanna, of Fayetteville, North Carolina. She had a very special place in her heart for Bill and Sherrie Haynes and Paul Hupp, of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Those who knew and loved her called her “Dyma!” She believed that flowers and food should be delivered to the living while they could be shared and enjoyed. Her favorite places were in the kitchen and soil where she worked tirelessly creating beautiful things- not for herself but for those she held near and dear. Her love language was acts of service and kindness for others by cooking. She was a fabulous southern cook. Everyone was happy when “Dyma’s Diner” was open. Her most loved and requested main dishes were her huge pans of lasagna, hamburger / cube steak with rice and homemade gravy, mashed potatoes, chicken and pastry, cabbage rolls, and porcupine meatballs, to name a few. She sweetened bellies with her pound cakes, birthday cakes with homemade icing, German Chocolate cakes, carrot cakes, and so much more. When she cooked, she made enough for “EV-ER-Ybody” to have a meal, leftovers, and freeze some for later. Her last cooking engagement was with her sister, Marilyn, making 19 pans of lasagna.
Dyann anxiously awaited the daily “commute home from work” phone calls from Rick and the evening calls from Michele inquiring about her day. Her favorite color was purple. You could always spot a frozen orange Gatorade in her hand and several in her freezer. She loved watching baby monkey videos and horse training videos. Dyann never heard her phone ring or received any text messages. Her hearing aids spent more time on the charger than in her ears. When physically able, she could be spotted zipping around her yard on her John Deer riding lawnmower or separating and planting seeds and she could revive any plant. Her talent extended far beyond cooking and gardening. She was a wonderful seamstress and could sew or make anything. At an early age, she would sew dresses for her daughter; make preemie and newborn outfits for babies that passed away prior, during, or shortly after birth; wedding and prom dresses and a list that never stops. Collecting coins was one of her most favorite hobbies. She spent many Monday mornings with her brother, David, and sister-in-law, Wendy, at Blanton’s Wash Center ciphering through every quarter. She made numerous coin books for her grandchildren and other family members.
Her last wish was a big bowl of David’s grits! She wanted to be cremated with no service, provided by Rogers and Breece Funeral Home. She wanted to be at her home in her own bed with her beanie on covering her bed head before she left this world. Heaven received a beautiful soul, and the Lord probably has His hands full with her.
There are no words to express how precious and giving she was. She is already missed so much but there is so much peace knowing she is completely healed now. Her family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to each person who loved and helped take care of her in various ways as she prepared for her final journey to be with the Lord.