Phyllis Brewer

Phyllis Apperson Brewer passed peacefully on April 21, 2026, of natural causes, surrounded by loved ones. A graveside will be held on Saturday April 25, 2026, at 11am at Buffalo Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Bion Brewer, Sr.; her parents, Harry James Apperson and Dorothy Johnson Vaughn, of Durham, North Carolina; and her grandson, Michael Godwin (Kelli), of Sanford, North Carolina. Phyllis was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. She graduated from Durham’s Oakgrove High School and went on to graduate from Duke University’s Radiological Technologist School.

She met and married Joseph Bion Brewer Sr. after taking a position in the Radiology Department at Pinehurst Memorial Hospital. They lived in Raeford, North Carolina, where they started a family of five children.

In 1965, opportunity brought the family to Sanford, North Carolina, with Bion working for Federal Spinning and Phyllis joining the Radiology Department at Lee County Hospital. When the hospital became Central Carolina Hospital, she continued as Department Head until her retirement.

After retiring, she enjoyed spending time with her family and served as a caregiver for her husband and his two sisters until their deaths. Phyllis loved being a mother, spending time with her children, and doing projects with them as they grew up. She enjoyed time with them and their spouses.

Phyllis was very thankful she was blessed to enjoy all her family, her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren throughout her life.

Phyllis is survived by her sisters, Kay Hayward of California, Jean Apperson of Michigan; her brother Dr. William Hunter Vaughn (Cheryl) of Ohio; her children Suzanne Brewer McDonald (Frank) of Sanford; Joseph Bion Brewer, Jr. (Sharon) of Sanford; Robert Stacy Brewer (Jane) of Sanford; Kathryne Brewer McFarland (Gary) of Charlotte; Stephen McQueen Brewer Sr. (Kathy) of Sanford; her grandchildren Beth Turner Kelly (Randy), Leigh Ann Turner Murray (Don), David McDonald (Kristen), Aubrey McDonald Powers (Adam Partin), Joseph Bion Brewer III, Katy Brewer Key (Gunnar), Kevin Godwin (Cris), Daniel Arnold (Dane Thompson), Matthew Arnold, Stephen Brewer, Jr., Elizabeth McFarland Whipple (John), John McFarland (Desirea); and great-grandchildren Carson Kelly, Dylan Kelly, Raegan Kelly, Caleb Turner, Alex Murray, Logan McDonald, Lyla McDonald, Meredith Powers, Reece Partin, Lydian Key, Lucelia Key, Hunter Godwin, Heaven Godwin, Kayleigh McFarland “Kayleigh Mac” Whipple, John “Jack” Whipple, Liam Whipple, Mark Hazlett, Hayden Hazlett, Ethan Hazlett; and her niece Kitty Alice Spellman (Robbie), and nephews Richard Pope, Jack Hayward (Judi), Chris Hayward (Jan), Stefan Hayward (Elizabeth).

Phyllis will be remembered for her steady love, her strength, her devotion to family, and the quiet, faithful way she lived her life.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.