Elsie McPhail, 82, died December 9, 2020, with her family by her side in Salemburg, NC. She was born August 11, 1938 in Smithtown, NY to Ray and Dorothy Hersey. Elsie (or Honey to her friends) worked at Kings Park Psychiatric Center when she left home. The night she met her future husband was New Year's Eve in 1956. She was dressed in her finest for a party and her friend wanted to stop at the male dorm to drop off something. Layton McPhail was also working there and living in the male dorm. He was in the lobby in his overalls and made a pass at her. She was not impressed by this country boy. Several months later, a co-worker offered to introduce her to his nephew. It was that same country boy. She was more impressed this time and they were married in September 1957. They lived in NY for about five years and decided to move to NC to raise their children. They built a house right behind where he was raised on McPhail Rd.

After their children were grown and moved away, she wanted to get her nursing degree. Layton fully supported her dreams. She became a nurse after graduating from Sampson Community College and worked at Sampson Memorial Hospital until 1998. She was very proud to serve the citizens of Sampson County. She was preceded in death by her husband, Luther Layton McPhail; brothers "Wally" and "Ray" Hersey; and sister Jane Mutell.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 1:00 at Union Grove Baptist Church, 395 Vander Rd., Salemburg, NC. Please social distance and wear a mask.

Mrs. McPhail is survived by her brother, Edward Hersey; her daughter, Bonnie McPhail, two sons and their spouses, Layton and Julia McPhail, Norman and Kelli McPhail and grandchildren, Thomas, Dorothy, William, Nicholas, Samuel, and Emili; and great-grandchildren Chloe, Asher and Olivia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Christian Food Bank of Salemburg, 113 N Main St, Salemburg, NC 28385 or Clement Rescue Squad, 3400 Maxwell Rd, Autryville, NC 28318.