Michelle Yvonne DeFaut Dismuke

Michelle Yvonne DeFaut Dismuke, 63 of New Bern, NC passed away on December 23, 2022. She was predeceased by her mother Mary A Yost DeFaut, father James H. DeFaut, and son James M. Lockhart. Michelle left behind her husband Zadock Dismuke, son Phillip Crabtree (Holly Dunn), daughter Emily Lockhart Stevens (Justin Stevens), daughter-in-law Rebekah Simpson Lockhart and beloved grandchildren Ruby Stevens (4 months), Chase Dunn (10 years), Hadley Crabtree (11 years), and Chloe Mederos-Dunn (17 years).

Michelle was a strong-willed, passionate and intelligent woman who had many talents. She began her career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at the Cleveland Clinic. She continued to work for several state agencies between Pennsylvania and North Carolina including the prison systems and hospice care. Besides being a registered nurse, supervisor and consultant she would later go on to gain her Cosmetology Degree. After completing her certifications she opened her own salon. The people she worked with there were not just her employees, they became like family.

If Michelle wasn’t at work she was on her Sail Boat with Zadock and the kids. Being on the water was her favorite place to be. She had many other hobbies throughout her years from knitting to antiquing with her best friend Ricky, and she always made time to color and complete crafts with her granddaughter Hadley.

Michelle loved her family but she adored her animals. She brought in many dogs, cats, birds, snakes, ferrets, and bunnies throughout her years, but her two Chihuahua’s Max and Mya were her greatest furry companions. They kept her company throughout the day and they always wanted to be on her lap or snuggled up beside her.

The funeral will be a private ceremony with only close family members present. In place of sending flowers, we invite you to make a donation to the Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary, Great Dane Rescue NC & SC, or the Chihuahua Rescue and Transport Southeast.