Phyllis Watson McKinsey, age 65, of Scotland Neck, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
Phyllis was born on December 16, 1955 to H. Willard and Esther Watson. She graduated from Scotland Neck High School and married her devoted husband, Steve, on September 7, 1996. Phyllis was a member of the First Baptist Church of Scotland Neck and was a kind, multitalented, and giving soul. She loved dancing and singing and is probably doing so in heaven right now. Phyllis possessed an infectious personality and everyone who knew her grew to love her. A true warrior, she remained strong throughout her life as she fought cancer. During all her battles she never wavered in her faith in the Lord.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Esther Watson Casper; her father, H. Willard Watson; and her sons, Raymond Matthew McKinsey and William Tyler McKinsey.
Phyllis is survived by her loving husband, Steve; her daughter, Summer McKinsey of West Palm Beach, FL; her step-daughter, Ashley McKinsey of Savannah, GA; and her brothers, Marvin Watson and wife Becky of Williamsburg, VA and Raymond Watson of Scotland Neck. Also surviving is her beloved great dane, Abby, who shared a strong connection with Phyllis.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at Letchworth-Sykes Funeral Service in Scotland Neck.
A celebration of life graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Sunnyside Cemetery in Scotland Neck, with Rev. Paul Spradley officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made directly to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834 or online by clicking here.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Heather White and Dr. Jayish Patel, along with their medical teams at Physicians East and Halifax County EMS for all their help.
Letchworth-Sykes Funeral Service in Scotland Neck is handling the arrangements for the McKinsey family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting letchworthsykesfs.com.
Dear Steve, Raymond and families,
I was so very sorry to hear about Phyllis passing. I have known her since we were kids and you would never find a sweeter person than she was. She fought so hard and overcame so much but she is happy now with the Lord and never will suffer again. Steve, I know how much you will miss her because you loved her so dearly and never left her side but she will be with you always, in the great memories you have as well as Raymond and his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you all,
Sue and Bruce Davis
Phyllis and I were friends since grade school. We all went different directions but when we saw each other it was like we never missed a beat. So sorry she had to struggle with this illness, but she was a true warrior. She will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers for everyone!
Steve, We are so sorry. We are praying for your family.
I’m so very sorry to hear about Phyllis. She fought long and hard and was a very strong person. I thought a lot of her and I prayed for her each and every day. Heaven got another angel when she left this earth. My prayers are with Steve and the family. God bless the family.
Don and Marie Brewer, from Texas are so sorry to hear about Phyllis. She was always so fun and welcoming to everyone. I have so many memory growing up with Phyllis in a small town and every now then being able to hang out with Phyllis and my sister Natalie . We loved when we went back home and got to hang out and catch up where we left off from the year before, Rest In Peace my friend , and god bless .
Phyllis was one of my families closest , well like another sister & daughter to us. No words can say or tell the lose we all feel .. She had a smile that would calm any situation, simply put.. an angel that walked among us
Phyllis was such a sweet and kind friend. Everyone that knew her loved her. She always had a smile even in her darkest hours. She truly loved life and all it had to offer. I know with the both of us sick in the last year or so we didn’t get to see each other as we once did but I will never forget her sweet loving soul. May God give Steve, Summer and the rest of her family and friends comfort and peace during this time and the days ahead. I will truly miss you my friend. Rest in the arms of your Savior and may we see you again someday soon.
I was heartbroken to hear the news about Phyllis my heart goes out to Steve and Summer and the rest of the family, she was a kind soul, sweet, caring, Loving,smart,kind full of life and a great laugh. She Loved her family and friends.I have known Phyllis since we were children going to church here in Scotland Neck. She talked about her family and friends with a smile on her face, She talked about God and her father who was the apple of her eye daddy girl for sure,Phyllis put up a hard battle but she is free from the pain and rejoicing in the arms of God, we hated to see her go but she will never be forgotten by all who loved her.
Rest In Peace sweet friend! You were a kind soul and will be missed by many. God Bless the family and friends
Phyllis and I go way back. We were friends for life from the first moment we met. Life carried me in different directions from Phyllis and time in between seeing each other were some times very long, but we could always pick up right where we had left off. She was like a sister to me and helped me through difficult times in my life. She was always ready to listen, but never judged. I will miss her so very much. She was an inspiration to me. I Loved her. I’m so thankful the Lord has taken her home where she will suffer no more. I pray that God will comfort her family during the difficult time.