WILMINGTON — Phyllis J. Lewis, 85, of Wilmington, NC, entered the presence of the Lord on June 28, 2025 at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, surrounded by her daughters.
Born on February 20, 1940, to Oscar and Ruth Cooley in Fairchance, PA. She married James A. Lewis in 1958 and began their life‘s journey together settling in Wilmington, NC, in 1969. Along with their three daughters they moved to San Jose, CA with Jim’s job at General Electric in 1980; where she lived for 15 years before returning to Wilmington.
Phyllis is survived by her daughters Janet Henry (Greg) of Wilmington, NC, Shelly Russell (Bret) of Boulder Creek, CA; her brother, Roger Cooley of Woodbridge VA, a number of cherished nieces, nephews and her special friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James A. Lewis, and a daughter, Joyce K. Lewis.
Phyllis was a dedicated, loving mother, sister, and friend, who held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who were placed in her path of life.
She had many professions throughout her life. Besides being a homemaker and mother, she had a career in cosmetology and became an instructor. She was a real estate broker in both North Carolina and California, receiving top awards with Century 21. Phyllis went onto to work at General Electric Nuclear Plant and IBM in San Jose, CA. And she also enjoyed her time at Lockheed Aerospace. Later in life, after returning to Wilmington, she went back to school to become a massage therapist until her retirement.
Phyllis enjoyed life, spending time with family and friends, also learning new things. She was known to take many classes. Some of her favorites included stained glass, Tai Chi, painting, Chinese cooking, and singing. She was an accomplished pianist who played piano and organ at her church in the 1970s. Throughout the years, she loved her beloved dogs of which some of her Dobermans were show dogs.
Phyllis was a devoted follower of Christ and is now at peace in the arms of her savior.
Services will be held at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel 4108 South College Rd. in Wilmington on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM, with the funeral service at 11:00 AM at the Valley Chapel. Entombment will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Wilmington, NC.
