Phyllis Sutton O'Keef

With deep love and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Phyllis Sutton O’Keef, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, musician, teacher, and faithful servant of God. On February 22, 2026, Phyllis passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and her constant companion, Bishop.

Born February 15, 1950 in Clinton, NC to Garland Cleo “Tom” and Margaret Wiggins Sutton, Phyllis LaRue was their cherished only child. Margaret had been the oldest of ten, so one child of her own was plenty. A family joke was that at her birth, Margaret looked down at Phyllis and said, “We’re going to raise her to be a Pastor’s wife.” And, it was evident that Tom and Margaret did a fantastic job fulfilling that goal. Music was woven into the tapestry of Phyllis’ life. From an early age, Phyllis’ extraordinary gift for music was evident. She began piano lessons at the age of 6 and progressed quickly, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion that would bless countless lives. At the young age of 12, Phyllis began her first role serving as a church pianist. Phyllis loved to sing, and began to learn more instruments as quickly as she could.

After high school, Phyllis attended North Carolina Wesleyan College, majoring in Music Education, with a focus on organ as her instrument. During her college years, she met and formed an unbreakable bond with her lifelong friend, Raye Suitt Long — a friendship that remained a treasured gift throughout her life. While at Wesleyan, she met her future husband, Robert David “Bob” O’Keef. During college, while the two were dating, Bob gave Phyllis a puppy. Phyllis, Raye, and the dog all lived together in their dorm room. When asked about having a dog in their dorm room, Phyllis justified this by saying, “It wasn’t a dog, it was a puppy!”

Following graduation, Phyllis began teaching in the public school system, sharing her love of music and learning with her students. At the same time Bob pursued his calling to ministry at Duke Divinity School, Phyllis stood faithfully beside him, even if at first she doubted he had actually been called to the ministry. The two wed in 1974 and together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. They fought occasionally, unless they were driving in which case they fought constantly.

Bob and Phyllis welcomed their son, Paul, in 1978, and their daughter, Leigh Anna, in 1979. As a Pastor’s family within the United Methodist Church, they served many congregations throughout the North Carolina Conference. While Bob served as Pastor, the kids begrudgingly went along for the ride, Phyllis shared her musical and spiritual gifts with numerous churches and schools, touching lives and developing lasting friendships across the region. Bob and Phyllis also served churches in the Western North Carolina Conference, as well as Anna Maria Island, FL. Phyllis and Bob were honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award from Wesleyan for their service to humanity.

Phyllis’ greatest joy was her growing family. Leigh Anna married Kyle Voigt in 2008. Paul married Andreea Mihalache in 2009. In 2010, she welcomed her first grandchild, Gregory Voigt, followed by granddaughter Lynnleigh Voigt in 2013 and in 2015, welcomed granddaughter Islay O‘Keef. Being “O’Ma” was one of her most treasured callings.

Throughout her life, Phyllis always found ways to be involved in musical communities. In addition to being a public school teacher, a choral director, organist and choir master, a composer, she was a member of the North Carolina Master Chorale, Ring Sarasota, the North Carolina Music Educators, and the American Guild of Organists.

In June 2025, Phyllis was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, a highly aggressive form of terminal brain cancer that there currently is no cure for. She accepted this difficult news with grace, peace, patience (well, some…Just ask Bob), and unwavering faith. Phyllis fought courageously, making the most of each day and cherishing time spent with family and friends. Her strength, dignity, and enduring love were an inspiration to all who walked alongside her.

Phyllis will be remembered for her gentle spirit, stubbornness, steadfast faith, keeping of everything, extraordinary musical gifts, memory of an elephant, generosity, being perpetually late, and deep devotion to her family. Her life was a melody of service, love, and grace — a wonderful song that will continue to echo in the hearts of those she touched.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Bob; her children and their spouses Paul and Andreea O‘Keef, and Leigh Anna and Kyle Voigt; her cherished grandchildren, Gregory, Lynnleigh, and Islay; her best friend Raye, along with extended family, countless friends, church members, former students, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by her presence.

A service filled with music will be held at 1p.m. on Saturday, March 7 at Mt. Sylvan United Methodist Church in Durham, NC. Anyone who would like to participate in the choir should arrive at the church by 11a.m. for practice. Just as she was late to her own wedding, Phyllis will also be late to her own funeral because, in her final act of service, she has donated her body to science.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the North Carolina Master Chorale in Phyllis’ memory. https://tinyurl.com/mtks8pku 

(Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel)