Phyllis Raynor Miller

Phyllis Joann Raynor Miller, of Wilmington, NC (Scotts Hill), died Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in her home after a long and determined battle with cancer.

Phyllis was born in Beulaville, NC on February 26, 1950. She was the daughter of Hosea Lewis "Boog" Raynor and Phoebe Maready Raynor both of whom preceded her in death. She was a 1968 graduate of East Duplin High School, and on August 9, 1969, she married Robert Lane Miller. She was a resident of Clinton, NC, Surf City, NC & Wilmington, NC during her lifetime.

Phyllis was a loving and dedicated wife to Robert, homemaker and mother to her children and grandchildren. She served and prospered in many roles in school, dance recitals, athletics, and various family businesses including owning and operating a chain of Singer Sewing Machine stores in Eastern North Carolina. The contributions to her family were immeasurable. Her kindness, compassion, selflessness, loyalty and love will live forever through her family and friends. She was attending Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church in Scotts Hill, NC.

Phyllis is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Robert Lane Miller of Wilmington, NC; two daughters, Melissa Ann Miller Stilwell and her husband Joseph H. Stilwell, Jr. of Wilmington, NC, and Melanie Lane Miller Smades of Wilmington, NC; a son, Robert Jason Miller of Greenville, NC; two brothers, B.L. Raynor (Wanda) of Pink Hill, NC and Chris Raynor (Andrea) of Hampstead, NC; two sisters, Mavis R. Endzel, of Greenwood, IN and Diane R. Barnette, of Surf City, NC; six grandchildren, Jackson Lane Smades, Gary Parker Smades, Spencer Glen Smades, Sydney Grey Smades, Anna Grey Stilwell and Phyllis Miller Stilwell all of Wilmington, NC; and 19 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Mike Raynor (Lynda) and two brothers-in-law, Tim Barnette and Ed Endzel .

The family would like to acknowledge the following caregivers: Dr. S. David Hsu, Duke University Medical Oncologist and P.A. Carolyn Tashie, along with numerous other medical professionals. Without them, Phyllis' prolonged & full life would have been impossible. With them, the journey was full of love, compassion, gentleness, and concern for Phyllis and her family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, starting at 1:00 P.M. with Funeral Services following at 2:00 PM at Community Funeral Home Chapel, 840 West Main Street Beulaville, NC 28518 with the Pastor Mark Houston of Hallsville Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will follow in East Duplin Memorial Gardens, 2192 Highway 24 East, Beulaville, NC 28518.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be sent to Duke Cancer Institute, 300 West Morgan Street, Suite 1000, Durham, NC, 27701 {Phone Number (919) 385-3120}

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Miller family.