Elizabeth Illingworth of Lake Junaluska, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. A native of Clyde, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Spurgeon and Nancy Robinson Ensley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband David Marr Illingworth who passed away in 2015. Her siblings, Richard Ensley and Mary Raper, also preceded her in death.

She was the perfect image of what you would hope for in a mother, wife and friend. She took great pride in her family and was always there for each of them. Elizabeth was the most selfless, supportive and endearing lady you would ever meet.

She is survived by a son John Illingworth, of Lake Junaluska; a daughter, Mary Jesse and her husband, Dann, of Clyde; one granddaughter, Heather Blessman and her husband Kyle and one great-grandson Atlas of Raleigh; and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church General Fund (785 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, NC 28721) or a charity of your choosing.

The care of Mrs. Illingworth has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.