Phyllis Davis Matta, affectionately known as "Phee," passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026 in Littleton, North Carolina. Born on May 10, 1947 in Halifax County, NC, Phyllis lived a life marked by unwavering devotion to her family, a profound faith, and an extraordinary sense of purpose that illuminated the lives of all who knew her.

Phyllis’s soul was enriched by two defining passions: her fierce love for her family and her heartfelt prayers for their well-being. If she loved you, she did so with an intensity that left an indelible mark. Each night, without fail, she lifted the names of her children and grandchildren in her family to Jesus in prayer, embodying a spiritual guardianship that was as tender as it was steadfast. Her faith was the cornerstone of her existence—she loved Jesus deeply and spoke to Him daily, finding comfort and strength in those sacred moments.

Beyond her spiritual life, Phyllis was an avid antiques enthusiast, blessed with what she fondly described as "a good eye for the good stuff". She had a remarkable gift for discovering treasures others might overlook—a delicate piece of milk glass, enchanting Blue Willow china, Corning Ware bowls, or charming boxes, both pretty and curious. Where others saw the impossible or the impractical, she found beauty and purpose. Her determination was legendary; if a treasure was hard to find, she found it; if it seemed too expensive, she would tactfully sweet talk until the price became right. Her home was a testament to her talent and tenacity, filled with objects that told stories of her keen craftsmanship and vision.

Phyllis’s legacy is also rooted in her role as a loving wife and devoted mother. She was the cherished wife of Albert "Al" John Matta, to whom she was married for 60 treasured years—a union that bore witness to enduring love and partnership. Though Al has since passed, their shared memories stand as a monument to a lifelong bond.

She leaves behind a loving family who was the center of her world: her daughter, Allyson Keffer and son-in-law, Mike Keffer; her son, Chad Matta; beloved grandchildren, Laura, Angus, Cran, Tylor, and Brooke; and three joyous great-grandchildren, Mathys, Eunan, and Benjamin. Their lives are forever touched by her unwavering care and the fierce protector she was in both presence and spirit.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Wordest Cranford Felts, Louis Douglas Felts, Cornelius Wayne Davis, and Jerry Page Davis.  

The community is invited to honor Phyllis’s and Al's memory with a visitation at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services located at 731 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10:30 to 12:00 PM. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. A graveside service will then be held at Cedarwood Cemetery, 1100 W 4th Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC officiated by Pastor Rick Gaskins.