WILMINGTON — Phyllis Garner Nunalee, age 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 in Wilmington, NC.
She was born January 1, 1947 in Bladen County, NC to the late Rufus Delane Garner and Gertrude Garner. In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Pait; and her brother, Carroll Garner.
Phyllis loved the Lord Jesus Christ and her family dearly. She was a longtime member of Winter Park Baptist Church in Wilmington. She was a caring and endearing wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. Phyllis was always such a hard worker; her happy place was fixing her clients’ hair in her home salon or cooking delicious meals for her friends and family. She tried to live life to the fullest and enjoyed traveling with her devoted husband, especially to the Florida Keys. However, her commitment to her role as a grandmother was equally exceptional. She poured her heart and soul into her grandchildren, bringing them boundless joy and leaving an invaluable mark on their hearts and the hearts of many others. Her legacy will be the love and kindness she shared so freely with all.
Phyllis is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, James Jay Nunalee, Sr. of Wilmington, NC; her sons, James Jay Nunalee, Jr. (Katherine), and Christopher Garner Nunalee (Jennifer); her seven grandchildren, Anna Claire, Carter, Jimmy, Emerson, Tyler, Dallas, and Easton; her sisters, Barabra Veeder, Wilma Callihan, Marcella Carter, Jennifer Harris (Roger); her brother, Wendell Garner (Beverley); her brothers-in-law, Thomas Nunalee III (Linda), Nolan Nunalee (Frances); her sister-in-law, Sabra Nunalee; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Phyllis may be made to Winter Park Baptist Church.
A funeral service will be held at Winter Park Baptist Church, 4700 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403, on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 1 p.m. The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. prior to the service. The burial will follow the service at Moores Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, 3107 Union Chapel Road, Currie, NC 28435.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
