Phyllis “Kay” Peele, 74, passed away peacefully at Graybrier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

She was born on September 30, 1951, in Hamlet, North Carolina. If you were lucky enough to know Kay, chances are you were greeted with her signature smile and a cheerful, “Well, hello there!”

Kay was preceded in death by her parents Jasper and Frances Peele; her sister Miranda “Sally” Carol Carrick, and her husbands, Ronald Curtis Roark and Winfred (W.D.) Heilig.

She leaves behind her loving companion and best friend, George Hinshaw of Randleman; her siblings, Larry (Patricia) Strider of Asheboro, Sara (Johnnie) Garner of Bennett, and Ann Beaver of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; her children, Ronnie Kay Turner of Mount Gilead, Philipp (Bobbie) Heilig of Denton, Jasper “Frank” (Katie) Heilig of Tempe, Arizona; and her stepdaughter, Tina (Jeff) Revis of Mars Hill. While Kay wore many hats throughout her life, her favorite title was undoubtedly “MawMaw Kay”. She leaves behind nine grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.

Kay loved playing cards, shooting pool, a trip to the racetrack, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs and was happiest when surrounded with family and friends. She was quick-witted and had a personality that couldn’t be contained.

Hard work was simply part of who Kay was. Over the years she worked for American Legion Post 45, the Golden Waffle, and later retired from Technimark and many of her coworkers became lifelong friends.

Her love for America was something she carried with pride. Kay honored local heroes by placing American flags on the graves of veterans, believing those who served should always be remembered and honored. It was one of the many quiet ways she showed her appreciation and respect.

A Celebration of Kay’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at New Day Fellowship, 100 Kenilworth Drive, High Point, North Carolina. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m., with the celebration service beginning at 3:00 p.m. In keeping with her wishes, Kay generously donated her body to High Point University to support medical education and research. It was one final gift that reflected her generous spirit and her desire to help others.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, caregivers, and support staff of Graybrier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the kindness, compassion, and care they showed for Kay. Your dedication brought comfort not only to her, but to those who loved her, and your generosity will always be remembered with deep appreciation.

Kay was fiercely independent and had a stubborn streak that those who loved her knew well, but it was part of what made her so unforgettable. She will be greatly missed, but every time someone says, “Well, hello there!” her memory will live on with a smile.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Semper Fi and America’s Fund or American Legion Post 45 in honor of Kay’s lifelong patriotism and support of veterans. 

Pugh Funeral Home is proud to serve the Peele family.