Eloise Wells Phelps Brown

She was born in Burgaw, NC on February 6, 1924, daughter of the late Cassie Woodcock and Pearlie Wells. She was preceded in death by her first love and adoring father of her children Kenneth W. Phelps, infant son Gerald Lynn, second husband Merrill Brown, sister Ada, brothers Colin, Leonard, P.H, Marvin and Durant. Leaving to cherish her loving memories are her children Paula (Mark) Turner, and Wanda Phelps, the joy of her life’ grandchildren Kendee and Thomas Blake, John Graziano and great grandson “Little John” a special brother-in-law Ronnie Phelps (Carolyn), beloved sisters Juanita, Carleen (James), Lila (Bernard) and many nieces and nephews.

Eloise was an independent woman, self-reliant, comfortable with who she was, a role model for many and a warm and generous leader. In 1948 Eloise moved to New York City where she became a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi. In 1950 she was president of the NY Alpha Tau chapter and upon returning to Wilmington she served as president of the Alpha Nu chapter. Eloise was active in the ABWA Wilmington chapter serving as president in 1965 and Woman of the Year in 1966. A successful realtor for 30 years she made many friends that she kept close all through the years especially the “Intracoastal Girls”. Eloise had a green thumb. In 1977 she became a member of the Harbor Island Garden Club and served as president in 1987 and 1988. She became a Master Gardner in 1998. She was active in community beautification and environmental improvements through her club work. In 2004, Eloise was the designer of a special project “In Memory of Babies Hospital” that greets each person as they enter Wrightsville Beach.

Eloise’s love of volunteering included her many years at Cape Fear Hospital where she was an active member of the Cape Fear Auxiliary Board and served as president of the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Auxiliary.

Eloise was a devoted mother, grandmother, co-worker and friend. She touched countless lives with her strength, wisdom and love. She was young at heart. She loved life, her family, laughter, traveling the world, Winettes of Sea Path, her flowers, birds and always her home-Wrightsville Beach. She was an amazing Woman.

Eloise would like to leave her family and friends with one final thought:

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, But rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ------ WOW WHAT A RIDE!!!!!!

Visitation is Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Coble Ward Smith Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Friday at 11: AM at the Little Chapel on the Boardwalk in Wrightsville Beach. Interment will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Ability Gardens, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 or the charity of your choice.