Phyllis Rose Gupton Wortham, 91, of Henderson, N.C. entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 18.

She was the second oldest of four children born unto the late David Bryant Gupton and Venie Belle Faulkner Gupton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the absolute love of her life, Andrew Lynn Wortham, Sr., and two loving brothers David Hartwell ‘Bill’ Gupton and Robert Bunyon ‘Bobby’ Gupton.

After graduating from Henderson High School in 1953, she went to work for Rose’s Department store and in 1955, embarked upon a lifetime career with the former Carolina Telephone & Telegraph Company, retiring in 1997.

A determined, self-sufficient and devoted wife and mother, she will be remembered for her unwavering love for her husband and children. For many years she was a creative and talented quilter, immersing herself into a hobby that she thoroughly enjoyed. Designing and creating them brought her much joy, however giving them as gifts to people brought her much delight.

In her early years as a parent, she was a ‘room mother’ for her children’s schools, often baking cupcakes for class parties or transporting children in the family car on different school field trips. She and her husband were supportive ‘Band Booster’ parents attending Friday night football games at Veteran’s Field and supporting high school band during football/marching band season. Together they chauffeured their children to and from different Scout meetings; swimming, piano and dance lessons; winter ski trips; summer beach trips in Myrtle Beach andcamping at Kerr Lake. Their selfless love and desire for their children to experience things that they themselves could only dream of was ever present and paramount.

She is survived by her children Andrew Lynn Wortham, Jr.; Elizabeth Morris Wortham Gray (Ricky); her beloved sister Betty Jo Gupton Rogers; sister-in-law Ruby Hedgepeth Gupton and lovingly adored cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. 

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 26 at 2PM at Sossamon Funeral Home on Oxford Road, Henderson, NC, conducted the Rev. Will Breedlove. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 – 2 PM, and at other times they will be at the home of her daughter at 122 Maluli Drive, Oxford, NC 27565.

Serving as pallbearers will be Rev. Brandon Ayscue, Rev. Will Breedlove, Clarence Conner, Ricky Gray, Patrick Smith and Chris Uzmann.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Harriett Baptist Church, 1354 Ruin Creek Road, Henderson, NC 27537.