Phyllis Dills Banner, 88, of Morganton, NC, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Born in Catawba County, NC on August 28, 1938, she is the daughter of the late Allie Lee Dills and Muriel Greene Dills.
Phyllis was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church. In 1957, Phyllis won the Miss Morganton Beauty Pageant. She graduated from the Grace Hospital School of Nursing in 1958 and authored a book about her experiences there. Upon graduation, she worked for Dr. Hemmings. She later earned her degree as a physician’s assistant in the 70s and worked at the North Carolina Department of Corrections for more than 20 years.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Raymond Banner; son, Scott Prewitt; step-son, Stacey Banner (Charlotte); brother, Charles “Herb” Dills (Toni); and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by a son, Mickey Prewitt; sisters, Doris Inglis and Martha Lee Dills; and a brother, Thomas Eugene Dills.
The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Dr. Danny Emory and Rev. Homer Murdock officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with honors provided by the Nurses Honor Guard and the North Carolina Department of Corrections Honor Guard.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Do sorry about the passing of Phyllis she has taught me and helped me so much. Phyllis did not die. She just changed addresses. She is now enjoying all the joy of heaven prayers thoughts hugs and love, Brenda Huffman.
Our sympathies are with your family.
When I met Phyllis in 1993, she was a nurse. But she was also a baker, a cake decorator, and a photographer. She made my wedding cake and she was the photographer as well. She did both jobs perfectly. She was so nice to me. I felt like she was someone I could rely on for those important things. After reading all of the comments, I know I was right. Prayers for the family.
I can't say enough kind words about Phyllis. I met her while I was working as a nurse at Grace Hospital. She was a special person. I will never forget her. My heart goes out to all of you.Phyllis Smith.
Deepest sympathy.
So nice of you to recognize her important partnership with my father in his pediatrics practice...i hav ed=fond memories of Phyllis from my childhood.
Our condolences to Raymond and the family members. Such a sweet and caring lady Phyllis was. We will miss her, her smiling face and her always caring nature. She is now healed and in the presence of Jesus whom she loved and proclaimed. Fly high in heaven Phyllis, until we meet again. -Barry & Vanessa Clontz
Phyllis was a kind, considerate, generous friend and coworker. She was welcoming and respectful and taught me so much. Will always remember our lunch walks and talks at Western Correctional Center. Prayers for Raymond and all the family as they learn to live without her. I know her sweet memories will carry you through your grief.