06/10/2026
Phyllis Ann Stalls Strickland, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on June 8, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on March 20, 1944, in Martin County, NC, Phyllis touched countless lives with her warmth, dedication, and unwavering love.
Phyllis was a devoted educator, having completed her undergraduate degree in a remarkable two years and nine months, before earning a master’s degree in education from East Carolina University. Her passion for teaching led her to a fulfilling 39-year career as an elementary school teacher in Martin County. She was known for her loving yet strict classroom environment, where students thrived under her guidance. Phyllis delighted in making learning fun and memorable—her students fondly recall making homemade butter by shaking jars around her classroom, learning her famous "snow dance", and savoring her famous rice crispy treats.
A beloved figure at school, Phyllis had a knack for creating special moments, whether it was preparing pimento cheese sandwiches for teacher meetings or organizing bus trips to the NC State Fair in Raleigh for her young students. Long before the advent of cell phones, she ensured the safety and enjoyment of every child on those trips with her ingenious red, yellow, and green card system.
Beyond her professional life, Phyllis had a deep love for road trips with her husband, Charles, and their children. She was known for packing ample food for their adventures, especially her individually wrapped ham biscuits, which were a staple of their journeys. Together, she and Charles visited all 50 states by car, including a memorable trip to Alaska. Their trailer at Atlantic Beach was a treasured haven, where they formed a close-knit community with their Atlantic Beach family. Phyllis and Charles also shared a special tradition of visiting Disney World in Florida, particularly for their anniversaries.
Phyllis and Charles shared a beautiful marriage of 61 years, filled with love and devotion. Their honeymoon, initially planned for Williamsburg, VA, was famously redirected to Rocky Mount, NC, due to snow. This unexpected detour became a cherished annual tradition, as they continued to celebrate their anniversary meal in Rocky Mount at the Carlton House. After it closed, they would go to Rocky Mount for an anniversary meal even if it was only a stop at Chick-fil-a.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Jasmine Roberson and Karen Gatling for their love, attention and great care given to Phyllis during her later months. Your love and support have been greatly appreciated.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Vivian Stalls, and her sister, Linda Stalls Beacham. Phyllis is survived by her beloved husband, Charles Vernon Strickland Sr., of the home; her daughter, Angela Claire Strickland of Greenville; her son, Charles Vernon "Chuck" Strickland Jr., and his wife Debbie of Clayton; her granddaughters, Della and Nora Powell; her sister, Betty Jean Davis, and her husband Perry of Jamesville; her niece, Sara Elizabeth Beacham; her great-niece, Lily; her two nephews, Ashley Norman Sessoms and Matthew Alexander Sessoms; and her Atlantic Beach Family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:00 am at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service ~ Letchworth Chapel in Scotland Neck. The burial will follow at the Hamilton Cemetery in Hamilton. Pat Nelson will be officiating the services.
Flowers are welcome and memorial donations may be made In Memory of Phyllis to the Town of Hamilton c/c Edna Andrews Memorial Wall, PO Box 249, Hamilton, NC 27840.
Phyllis Ann Stalls Strickland leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service ~ Letchworth Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Strickland family and online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
