Phyllis Council Simmons

Phyllis C. Simmons, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. She was born and raised in Gray's Creek, where she learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and responsibility while growing up in a farming family. She was the daughter of Marvin and Mildred Council of St. Pauls. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Tommy Simmons, and her brother, Steve.

In the late 1960s, Phyllis met Tommy Simmons, the love of her life. They were married on December 10, 1971, and welcomed one daughter, Lisa. Phyllis and Tommy worked side by side operating Fayetteville Wrecker Service until Tommy's passing in 1992.

After her husband's death, Phyllis worked faithfully at Monarch Cleaners, Belk, and the Trophy House, where she was known for her honesty, dependability, and strong work ethic. Through her example, she taught her daughter the importance of strength, independence, and resilience. Phyllis leaves behind her beloved daughter, Lisa Johnson, and her husband, John, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kyle, and Zach, and her great-granddaughter, Harleigh. She found peace in her home, especially in tending her yard, and remained deeply connected to the place where she raised her family. Even as dementia entered her life, she remained herself in the ways that mattered most.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at McNeill-Legacy Funeral Home, 319 West Broad Street, St. Pauls, North Carolina. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.

McNeill-Legacy Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Phyllis Simmons.