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Phyllis Dyer Stickels January 23, 1929 - January 9, 2020

Born: Wednesday Jan 23, 1929

Died: Thursday Jan 9, 2020

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Surrounded by family singing her favorite hymns, Phyllis Dyer (Cheek) Stickels left this world to join the heavenly chorus on January 9, 2020. She was a loving, devoted mother and wife, an adoring “Grandmommie,” and a woman of great faith and generosity. She always had a song in her heart and it was her great joy to share that music with others.

 

Her funeral service will be held at the Leaksville United Methodist Church on Sunday, January 12 at 3pm. Visitation with the family will be Saturday, January 11 from 5-7pm at the Fair Funeral Home, and at other times at the home of Susan and Bill Pace, 212 W. Harris Place. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Leaksville United Methodist Church Chancel Choir or to Hospice of Rockingham County. 

 

Phyllis was born on January 23, 1929 to John Bullard Dyer and Alice Joyce Dyer in Leaksville (now Eden), NC. The second oldest of ten children, life in the Dyer home was bustling, and from an early age Phyllis learned to care for others and contribute to her community. To keep his children busy, her father built a tennis court in the backyard where many a game was played. An avid tennis player until the age of 82, Phyllis displayed her healthy competitive spirit on the court for many years. 

 

From an early age, Phyllis showed a gift for music. After graduating as the valedictorian of Leaksville High School class of 1947, she attended Flora MacDonald College in Red Springs, NC. While there, she made lifelong friends and served as the president of the student body. She also played on the basketball and volleyball teams, graduating with a degree in music, with an emphasis on voice. 

 

While at school she remained devoted to her first love, a hometown boy and husband-to-be, Norwood Janney Cheek. Together, they were a fetching couple, and her dance cards from the many socials they attended bear witness to a deep affection: she filled each with his name alone. The couple married in 1951, set up a home in Leaksville, and soon had the three “sweet Cheeks,” their daughters Ann, Susan, and Phyllis. A baby boy, Chip, would later join them. 

 

Phyllis loved her lifelong career as a voice teacher, teaching hundreds of students‑youth and adults‑how to sing. She was a patient and kind teacher, encouraging excellence from her students and building their confidence with her assurance. Her gift for teaching and love for children led her to become a preschool teacher at the Leaksville United Methodist Church, where she lovingly served as a teacher and director of the preschool for 25 years. To the youngsters in her class, she had a song for everything‑from her first greeting of the day to cleanup time. Many of her former students still sing these tunes to their own children and grandchildren.

 

Phyllis’s devotion to her beloved Leaksville United Methodist Church, extended beyond her work in the preschool; she served first as a member of the choir, then its choir director, and finally as the Director of Music for many years. Many recall her annual Christmas Eve concert, where as a soloist she invoked the majesty of the Messiah’s birth through spirituals such as “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” or “O Holy Night.” She was also asked to sing at many special events and was always delighted to do so, whether it be singing “The Lord’s Prayer,” at weddings or a favorite hymn, such as “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” at a Sunday service.

 

Along with her service to her church and her family, Phyllis contributed to the larger community as a member of many civic clubs and associations. She was a lifelong member of the Garden Club, and she and her second husband, E.N. “Bud” Stickels, were dedicated members of the Eden Preservation Society, of which Phyllis also served as the president. Together, Phyllis and Bud enjoyed vibrant, busy lives, traveling together to visit family (Paris, California, Texas, Maryland, Ohio), and deeply involved in the institutions they loved: church, family, and community. During these happy years, it was often hard to reach Phyllis by phone‑she was either at church, at a meeting, or out in the yard creating “beauty spots,” in her flower garden. 

 

Throughout her life, Phyllis made everyone around her feel welcome, loved, and special. Her warmth and enthusiasm were contagious, and she inspired her children and grandchildren by her commitment to family, to grace, and to always seeing the very best in people and life. She often said that she only remembered the good things, and she inspired her children and her grandchildren to raise their young with the same kind of gratitude and affection. She loved nothing more than the “joyful noise” of her grandchildren and great-grands. For these fortunate children, nothing was off limits. A surefire baby whisperer, she spent many hours holding a sleeping babe and singing sweet lullabies. Her life was filled with family, joy, and song, and she brought beautiful music to all of our lives. 

 

Phyllis is survived by her four children: Ann Fair and husband Neil, of Eden; Susan Pace and husband Bill, of Eden; Phyllis Garrett and husband, Dan of Austin, Texas; and Norwood J. Cheek, Jr. “Chip” and wife, Andrea Richards, of Los Angeles, California. She has three stepchildren, which Phyllis always referred to affectionately as “the northern children,”: Mark Stickels, Kathy Hare and husband, Jim, and Scott Stickels and wife, Liz.

 

Her grandchildren: Annie Fair and husband, Dean Micetich; Alice Smith and husband, Colin; Ty Pace and wife Torie; Brett Garrett, Phoebe Cheek and Gray Cheek; step-grandchildren Michelle Pace Mullis and husband, Scott; Jay Pace; Alicia Pace Riddle (deceased) and husband, Scott; Christie Garrett Strupe and husband, Mike; Darrell Garrett; and the northern step-grandchildren: Michelle Stickels Lugones, Stacy Stickels McCrary, Sammy Stickels, Zach Hare, Devon Hare, Betsy Stickels, Sally Stickels, and Emily Stickels Kowalyshyn. 

 

Her great-grandchildren: Felix Fair Micetich, Matlida Fair Micetich, Callaway D. Smith, Penelope Fair Smith, Rachelann Pace, and John Tyler Pace, Jr.; step great-grandchildren, Anna Benson, Ivy Pace, Kinley Pace, Elizabeth Riddle, Katherine Riddle, Ben Riddle, Charlotte Riddle, Garrett Strupe; and the northern step-great grandchildren: Makenzie Stickels McCrary, Miley Stickels McCrary, James Stickels Lagunones, and Tyler Stickels Lagunones.

 

Her brothers Richard Dyer and wife, Wanda; and Bobby Dyer and wife, Pat (deceased); and her three sisters: Betty Citty and husband, John (deceased); Nell Hubbard and husband, Wayne; and Lynn Dyer. 

 

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, E.N. “Bud” Stickels, Jr; three brothers, Johnny, Brewer, and Jimmy Dyer, and one sister, Ann Dyer; step-granddaughter, Alicia Pace Riddle; and the father of her children, Norwood J. Cheek, Sr. 

 

The family would like to thank the members of Leaksville United Methodist Church, as well as to Hospice of Rockingham County for their enduring support and compassion. Many thanks to the very special individuals who helped care for Phyllis in her final years‑their cheerful and loving care went above and beyond.

 

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com

 

Our deepest sympathy to Susan and the family during this difficult time. Phyllis is home now and the suffering is at an end. She was a wonderful lady who will be missed by many.
Norm & Mary Sweeters
Lynn, I am so sorry. I'm thinking of you, and your family. She was such a lovely, sweet Lady. I know you will miss her. We know she's singing in a better place now. I love you.
Betty Ross
I am so thankful I was blessed to have your precious Mother touch my life. She always had a smile and arms opened for a hug when I saw her. Each of you children had a wonderful teacher to show you the way to love, laugh and at times cry, but, you all carry on her lessons and she'll always be in each of your hearts. We enjoyed so many Christmas Eve Services at LUMC and her beautiful voice made everything feel at peace. Please know, Susan, Ann, Phylis and Chip, as well as extended family, you all will be in our thoughts and prayers. My love to you all.
Myron & Debbie Horton
Ann, Alice, Susan my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Mrs. Phylis was such a sweet precious lady that touched so many lives. She will always be remembered fondly in our hearts.
RHonda Evans
Steven and I are sadden by the passing of your wonderful mother. We always enjoyed her happy spirit and musical talent. Prayers for you all.
Steven and Sandy Cates
Our thoughts and prayers goes out to Susan and family during this difficult time
O.T., Vicky & Chris Coleman
To all of you—especially Lynn, Betty, Ann and Neil whom I know more personally—please accept my loving and prayerful condolences.
Marcia McQueen
Susan and Bill, Our thoughts and spirits are with you this weekend. Phyllis certainly lived a wonderful life and I know all are thankful for that......may all in the family of many be thankful and blessed. Joe & Sally Winnabow, N. C.
Joseph B. Pace
Bill, Susan, Phyllis and Family: I was saddened to see your loss this morning. I know she was proud of you ALL! Thinking of You. Jay
Jay Brande
Sincere sympathy to all family & friends of Mrs. Stickels. Anyone who ever heard her sing has a wonderful memory of her.
Pat & Don Matheson
Dear Ann, Susan, Phyllis, Chip and family....You remain in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time!!! May God hold you all tight in His loving arms today and in the days ahead!!! Love y'all!!!!
Micki M. Neal
Our heartfelt condolences to the family.
Paul and Holly Garrett
Oh my, I did love Phyllis. She was my friend, my voice teacher, a fellow choir member and director of our choir for many wonderful years. Taught me to love music and I enjoyed singing with her. Able to enjoy the beautiful music and voice on a number of Christmas Eves even after we moved from Eden. Never heard anyone else who could sing so beautifully. When we asked her to sing at my Mother's funeral, she was so gracious and did her usual beautiful job even though she had never heard nor sung the song before. She will be missed, but her music will live for many years through her family and students. May God give each family member peace and comfort during this time. Ann
Ann McCollum Aheron
Dear Ann, Chip and extended family, I am so very sad to hear of your mothers passing. Please take comfort and peace in how much she, and your whole family, is loved during these difficult times.” “Nothing can truly cut the ties of motherhood. She is and ALWAYS will be with each of you still in love, memory and family. Know that we, as a community, are here to support you all through everything that may come. She was truly a blessing and loved by everyone she came in contact with.
Arlene Murray Wade
Phyllis & Family, I was so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She lived a great life and I know she will be missed! I shared the news with Jay and he was sad as she was his preschool teacher as his favorite! She just had a gift of teaching children. I pray for God’s comfort during this time.
Lisa Gilley Vernon
Never before has an obituary inspired us to smile, sing and remember. Thank you Phyllis, to the Glory of God. Thank you, family, for this magnificent tribute.
Duane & Gloria Best
Sincere condolences to all of her family. Yes, indeed, the heavenly choir of angels sounds even more exquisite today.... What a wonderful lady, mother, voice teacher, and much more. I will forever hold her in my heart for all she gave to me personally in my vocal studies. She was a wonderful performer and served God and many others in the community with her music. RIP...🌹
Carol Sweeney Sparrow
Chip, Michelle and all the other family members, please know how much your sweet Mother/Grandmother, etc will be missed in this community. Prayers. for all.
Jana Harvey Williams
Betty and family, Two emotions, Joan and I are sorry for your loss and rejoice In her home going. She was almost an adult and I was a preteen but I remember her well. Norwood was my scout master and I remember him and Phyllis as a couple and when they lived in their new home on Maple street. She was a very beautiful girl.
Philip H. Martin
My prayers for your family, is that God will wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you during this time. What unbelievable woman, devoted to her husband, family, community, church and all the students she taught for many decades. Her loving personality was always so inviting and warm welcoming.
Tommy Griffin
It's never easy helping our parents with end of life, just part of the natural way of things. We have lost all but 1 and she is doing well at 98. Our thoughts and support are with you through this difficult time. Love Wes and Miss Vickie.
Wes and Vickie George
She was one of the loveliest people I have ever known. Heaven has gained a true angel. Prayers for the family.
Melissa Whitten

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