Phyllis Gail Neilson

Phyllis Gail Neilson, age 97, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, at home with her daughters by her side.

She was born in Greenville, SC on February 29, 1928, to Clifton Bonaventure and Rebecca Marietta Athey Naughton. Her surviving relatives include her children: Catherine, Marianne, John (Donna), Kevin, and Brian; sister-in-law Patricia; several nieces and nephews; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.    

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years, Joseph Aloysius Neilson (Joe); son, Brendan Joseph; granddaughter, April Neilson; son-in-law, Ronald Emerson Smith; brothers, Clifton Bonaventure Naughton Jr., and William Joseph Naughton; as well as 5 sisters-in-law, and 3 brothers-in-law.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 6, at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral by the Very Rev. Christopher A. Roux. A reception will immediately follow in the Family Life Center. Interment will be at Belmont Abbey cemetery.

Phyllis grew up in the Ardmore district of Winston Salem and graduated from Reynolds High School; she later graduated from Sacred Heart College, Belmont, NC in 1948. While in a Sociology class at neighboring Belmont Abbey she met the love of her life, Joe Neilson. She often recounted how she turned around to see who was kicking her chair, attracted by Joe's blue eyes; he just wanted to see her face. They were married on October 22, 1948, at what was then called St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Charlotte, where they remained members for life. Together, they raised six children while offering lifelong mutual support and affection. They were rarely seen apart, and they loved traveling together at home or abroad.

She was a devout Catholic, and motherhood suited Phyllis very well; there was nothing more important to her than her children. She worked hard at making a safe and happy home; she was a fun mom with a great laugh and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved red lip stick, visiting Ron Sporn for a bi-weekly hair do, and rocking on the front porch reading the paper and magazines.

In her later years, Phyllis was able to remain in the home she loved thanks to the daily care and support of her daughter Catherine.  After Joe's passing in 2019, Catherine stepped in to help Phyllis navigate the challenges of declining vision and aging, providing stability and companionship in the place Phyllis felt most at peace.

The family is grateful for the loving care and support provided by Hospice RN, Jessica Cantrell, and the other wonderful staff with VIA Health Partners over the past 10 months. We also thank social worker, Christopher Jackson for all his help and guidance.

Arrangements are in the care of Tribute & Talent Funerals & Cremations. Messages of condolence can be shared at Tallentfuneralservice.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Phyllis’s honor to Holy Angels Nursery, Belmont, N.C. www.holyangelsnc.org