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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Loved working with and learning from Phyllis. She was an amazing teacher and care giver. ❤️
To the best sister a man could ever have there’s nothing that she wouldn’t do for me or anyone else she was a shining light for everyone and willing to help anyone and the best wife to her husband Raymond my brother n law and best of all she loved Jesus she will be missed greatly but I will see her again in heaven Amen and Amen
To the banner family my deepest sympathy for your loss Phyllis was an excellent person I always enjoyed talking with her when she came into the outpatient surgery at Grace hospital herb I know she was especially proud of you because she get out often talked about you without see her at the hospital it's been a long time know that you are in my thoughts and prayers take care you've got some great memories of your sister cherish those memories
Sweet Phyllis may she rest in peace. When she first came to The Berkeley she would always talk about my “beautiful red hair” and how she wanted to take me home with her and go shopping. Phyllis will be deeply missed by us at The Berkeley. Prayers to Raymond and his family in this time❤️
Such a sweet lady. Worked with her at Western Youth Institute. Condolences to all of her loved ones.