Virginia Dupree Phillips

Virginia Dupree Phillips, 101, of Raleigh, NC passed away on Friday, May 1, 2021. Born October 30, 1919, in Wake County, Dupree, as she was known by family, was predeceased by parents Oliver N. and Pearlie Pearce Phillips. She graduated Wakelon School, Zebulon, NC in 1937, as Salutatorian. Virginia graduated from Rex Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1943. She then worked with the Polio foundation in Hickory and Charlotte, NC. Thus, began a long life of health service.

Virginia volunteered as 1st LT with the US Army Nurse Corp. “Lt. Phillips is highly commended for her performance of duty. "Her quiet, calm manner, strength of character, and cooperative spirit make her a definite asset to the Medical Department”. That is how Virginia lived her entire life. For her duty in Morocco and Germany, she was awarded the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WW ll Victory Medal, and Army of Occupation-Germany Medal.

Virginia then graduated UNC Chapel Hill with a BS in Public Health Nursing and a MS in Public Health. She served as a public health nurse in Charlotte, NC and was a consultant with the NC State Board of Health Crippled Children’s Program during the days of polio. The care of children was a career focus. In retirement, she returned to Raleigh and, as she would, volunteered with the Red Cross, the Blood Bank, Rex Hospital, and Hospice.

Virginia enjoyed reading, the beach, keeping up on current events, and sharing stories. She supported many worthwhile causes. She was a member of Pilot Club International of Raleigh and a long time member of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church.

She is survived by her sister, Meta P. Monteleon, nieces Sue Edwards, Stella Massey, Amelia Lane, Sandra Boxer, Martha Duke, Catherine Buttrill, and nephews, Worth T. Phillips, Michael Phillips, Christopher Monteleon, Steven Wellons, and many great nieces and nephews.

Virginia was predeceased by brothers Floyd and Waverly and sisters Ruby Richards, Doris Taylor, and Elva Wellons.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 8th at 11:00 am at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh. Burial will follow at Hephzibah Baptist Church in Wendell, NC.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or the Red Cross.