Phyllis Jones Gaddy

Phyllis Gaddy died during the early morning hours, January 15th, after a short stay in Hospice care at the AuthoraCare Collective in Burlington. Her birthplace was Williamsburg, Kentucky but her home for more than 50 years, was Burlington, NC.

Phyllis was the widow of Dr. George Gaddy (Opthamologist and Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist). She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Jonathan Irwin in 1992, as well as her parents, Robert and Mary Jones. She was the 9th of 11 children, all who died before her: Dora, Amy, Lora, Edna, Sarah, Carl, Bob, Almeda, Norma, and Ab.

Her daughters are Jean Eagle-Smith (Ed) of Doylestown, PA and Cheryl Eagle Irwin of Boone, NC. Grandchildren are Matthew Pierce (Kiva), Dylan Wade, Chelsea Collins (Matt), Gabe Irwin and Jacob Irwin. She also had several great-grandchildren: Amelia, Evangeline, Isaac, Grace, Josie and Theo. Also, her stepson, Doug Gaddy (Annie), lives in Longmont, Colorado. Her sister-in-law, Nancy Jones and brother-in laws, Dr. Bert Ballou and Clifford Eagle live in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana respectively. Many adored and adoring nieces, nephews and their families live all over the country and will also miss her tremendously.

Phyllis was a devoted and dedicated woman, devoted to her faith and church (First Baptist), and dedicated to her family with relentless steadfastness. She was also dedicated to her career and her community. A very social person with many interests and talents, Phyllis enjoyed gardening, painting, singing/music, knitting, book club, Bible study and fashion. She was a prolific writer and enjoyed a good political or religious debate, or a competitive game of bridge or even checkers. She never "let" anyone win a boardgame, passing on those traits that have encouraged perseverance, motivation and ambition in her family members. She was very colorful with spirit, passion, determination, never-ending graciousness, a fabulous sense of humor and an infectious laugh that cannot be forgotten. She was always able to find good or find an understanding of humanity, through difficult times. She dedicated herself to family and so enjoyed sharing good times with them at the beach house, the pride and joy of her life, next to her grandchildren, of course. Her grandchildren will always remember and honor her as the best grandma... ever.

She was a graduate of Cumberland College, now The University of the Cumberlands, and attended the University of Louisville where she graduated from The School of Medical Technology. She was Board certified in Medical Technology and a member of the American Society of Clinical Patholgists.
Phyllis enjoyed many professional accolades in addition to those credited by family. She started her early career as a certified elemetary school teacher but soon after, found her passion in medicine. She was a registered Medical Technologist who worked in her home state of Kentucky and then in North Carolina at Alamance County Hospital and Memorial Hospital in Burlington, NC. She was a woman ahead of her time, career-wise, through the 50's, 60's and 70's. Through and after her years as a professional, she spent decades providing an array of service to her community and to North Carolina. She was a leader in many instances.

Phyllis was an active Alamance Service League member for 5 years and became an Honorary member. She worked as a volunteer with Allied Churches and volunteered in her daughters' schools as room mother or volunteered overseeing the healthroom. She held many positions with the North Carolina Medical Society Alliance (NCMCA) including serving on the Board of Directors. She served on the Communications Committee and was past manager of Advertising for the Tarheel Tandem, the NCMA publication. She also served as a past delegate to a Chicago convention for the Auxillary to the National Medical Association. She was past Chairman of the Alamance-Caswell chapter of the NCMA Health Education Foundation and past President of the Alamance-Caswell Medical Auxillary. As a lover of antiques, she truly enjoyed being a former chairman of the local Antiques Fair for the Alamance-Caswell Medical Auxillary, held at Elon College.

The family extends a special thank you to the caregivers of the Village at Brookwood who describe Mrs. Gaddy as a "gem." Thank you Brenda, Nikki, Doris, Elaine, Pam, Vicki, Stacy, Mary, Mini, Jeanette and Tina. Thank you for taking such good care of her throughout this late stage and thank you for sharing "Mrs. Gaddy" times that span the spectrum from humor to spunk. We are so glad you care with dignity, respect and sometimes, kid-gloves.

The family also wants to thank the caregivers and others of Hospice and AuthoraCare who have helped through her final days. Especially Leigh, who was able to make many adjustments for comfort.

The family will have a private committal service at Alamance Memorial Park on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. A memorial/celebration of her life will be held at the Village at Brookwood on a later date, due to community health concerns related to COVID. In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to the charity of your choice. 

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