Phyllis M. Fulton

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Phyllis M. Fulton, of Garner, NC, departed this life on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.  

Memorial Service:  2:00 PM, Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Lea Funeral Home Chapel, 2500 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC.

Visitation:  1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, preceding the service in the Chapel.

Our world was greatly enriched by the presence of Phyllis Matilda Banks Fulton. Her profound impact is immeasurable and enduring. Phyllis was born on February 15, 1948, to Charity “Sally” Shields Banks in Elizabeth City, NC. Raised in a multi-generational household, she learned the values of hard work, determination, and land ownership from her grandparents, Charles and Josephine Hollowell. She embraced faith at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church and valued education, being a descendant of Professor Julius Caesar Hollowell, who educated enslaved and newly freed individuals at State Normal School (now Elizabeth City State University).

Phyllis graduated from P.W. Moore High School in 1965 and then attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), where she majored in Social Service and met her lifelong companion, Earnest Fulton. She built lasting friendships from her first days on campus through her graduation in 1969 until her passing on March 26, 2025. An active member of the school community, Phyllis was part of the renowned Blue & Gold Marching Machine Band. "Aggie Pride" was deeply ingrained in her, and she remained a devoted supporter, earning the President’s Award from the Alumni Association in 2018. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado in 1980.

Following graduation, Phyllis and Earnest married in 1971 in Elizabeth City and embarked on an international journey, starting at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, NC. For 20 years, Phyllis accompanied Earnest across the United States, Asia, and Europe during wartime and peace. They welcomed their daughter Shana in Indiana (Grissom AFB) in 1976 and their daughter Carson in Idaho (Mountain Home AFB) in 1978. In 1982, the family moved to England (RAF Upper Heyford), then to Frankfurt, Germany when he worked as a U.S. Army liaison. In 1985, they relocated to Sumter, SC (Shaw AFB), and later settled in Garner, NC in 1990, where Phyllis established her final home. The family continued to travel, enjoying vacations to Emerald Isle, NC including her grandchildren.

Phyllis's passion for helping others led to a distinguished 50-year career in social work, beginning with the Wayne County Department of Social Services in Goldsboro. Her career continued at Wake County Department of Social Services from January 1992 until retirement in October 2013. She also served as a Program Coordinator at the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Throughout her career, Phyllis dedicated herself to advocating for the most vulnerable members of society. She worked with foster children, child abuse victims, facilitated adoptions, secured grants for social services programs, and coordinated these programs across North Carolina. For her tireless efforts, she was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in October 2013.

In retirement, Phyllis remained committed to service, volunteering with numerous civic organizations, continuing her advocacy, and preserving Black history, in and around Elizabeth City. She was the cornerstone of her family, supporting previous generations and her two energetic grandchildren, Samantha and Maxwell. Additionally, Phyllis was a talented artist who enjoyed ceramics, sewing, baking, and painting. Phyllis actively participated in various organizations, including the Wake County Democrats, Election Poll Workers, National Association of University Women (Elizabeth City branch), and P.W. Moore Alumni Activities with a focus on school history preservation.

She is survived by her husband, Earnest L. Fulton; daughters, Shana L. Fulton (Tom L. Finigan) of Raleigh, NC, and Carson I. Fulton of Garner, NC; brother, Joseph A. Banks (Deborah) of Forestville, MD; grandchildren, Samantha and Maxwell Finigan; special first cousin, Sandra B. Davis (Robert) of Elizabeth City, NC; first cousins, Hollowell Jones, Audrey McPhatter, Robert Shields, Jr., Yolanda Davis, Chuck Shields; special cousins Marion, Deetra, Jackie; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

North Carolina A&T SU Giving Links for the University Marching Band: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/28065/donations/new
Designation: University Marching Band Scholarship
In Memory of: Phyllis Fulton Class 1969
In Honor of:  Phyllis Fulton Class 1969
 

National Association of University Women -- Elizabeth City Branch
1726 Edgewood Drive
Elizabeth City, NC 27909

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