Phyllis McCabe Wickizer, 79, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, at Munden Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Gethsemane Memorial Park with Rev. Powell Osteen officiating. For those attending, the family requests that bright, cheerful colors be worn in honor of Phyllis. A celebration of life will also be held at a later date.

Phyllis was born on September 6, 1946, in Morehead City, NC, to the late George Temple and Ruth Garner McCabe. She was a proud graduate of Morehead City High School as a member of the last graduating class of 1964. During her high school years, she loved being a cheerleader and a member of several clubs. She also helped to collect dues for the yearly “annual” and this is where she met her future husband, Steve, collecting ten cents weekly until he paid in full.

After graduating, she attended business college in Raleigh and later returned to Carteret County working for various local businesses as a bookkeeper and secretary. Phyllis was also an active member of the Junior Women’s Club, serving as president in 1975. Once her children were of school age, Phyllis began working for the Carteret County School System. She was a devoted employee, eventually retiring after 20 years from the school system. During those years, she was always busy supporting her children and all of their activities, from dance and color guard to marching band and boy scouts. Upon retirement, she enjoyed her favorite pastimes, like gardening and boating or jet skiing on Bogue Sound.

Always one to keep a positive outlook and willing to face whatever was dealt her way, she became a two-time breast cancer survivor. Her greatest title was given a little later when she earned the new name of “Mimi”. She was lovingly referred to as Mimi by her beloved grandchildren and later by so many of her children’s and grandchildren’s friends, as she was a second mom to everyone she met. She truly loved life with her family and extended family!

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her daughter, Amy Wickizer Byrd and husband Lin of Newport; son, Brandon Dale Wickizer and wife Julie of Morehead City; grandchildren, Harrison, Emmy, and Aidon; along with her special nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Bogie.

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Stephen "Steve" Dale Wickizer; her brothers, George Larry McCabe, Edward Temple McCabe, and Curtis Lane McCabe; her brother-in-law, Victor Homer Wickizer Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Susan Wickizer Shields. She also had several sisters-in-law whom she cherished as her best friends.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome or a memorial contribution may be made to the Brave Little Brinny Foundation of 3302 Player Lane Morehead City, NC 28557 or visit blblf.givecloud.co

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.