Barbara Phelps

Barbara Lucille Gilmer Phelps, 79, of Lake Junaluska, North Carolina passed away Saturday, December 28, 2019.

Barbara was born on April 23, 1940 to Lucille Lamour and Fillmore Litton Gilmer in Long Beach, California.  She grew up primarily in Birmingham, Alabama and Big Stone Gap, Virginia, later attending Auburn University.  In 1979, Barbara married the love of her life, Ron Phelps, bringing together her three children and his two children from previous marriages to complete their family.

In 1984, Barbara and Ron moved from Mountain Brook, Alabama to the Dallas area where she worked as a legal secretary and executive assistant.  In 2001, they built their present home in the mountains of Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. A life-long creative artist, Barbara always found a way to express herself.  For years she focused on watercolor painting. Later in life, Barbara found a passion for quilting and was active in the Western North Carolina quilting community (Shady Ladies and High Country Quilting Guild), winning numerous awards for her quilts.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Ron Phelps of Lake Junaluska; 5 children, Tracey Boyd of Mountain Brook, Alabama; Melissa (Taylor) Cox of Mountain Brook; Carl (Stephanie) Marino of Edgerton, Wisconsin; Greg (Josie) Phelps of Chicago, Illinois; Jill (James) Haltom of Lewisville, Texas; two brothers, Fil (Vicki) Gilmer and Creed Gilmer both of Birmingham, Alabama.  She is also survived by her loving grandchildren: Conner, Caitlin, and Charlie Boyd; Walker (Mary Claire), Crawford, Taylor, and Chandler Cox; Hana Marino; Meredith and Andrew Phelps; Jacy and Evan Haltom.  She is preceded in death by grandson Camden Asher Haltom.  Additionally, Barbara is also survived by nephews and nieces: Shaw (Heather) Gilmer and their daughters, Madeline and Mallory and Albi (Rachael) Gilmer and their children, Mac and Coe; John Creed, Kelly, Bryant, and Ginger Gilmer.

A memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville.  The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to your local animal rescue shelter or to St. Jude’s Hospital in honor of Barbara.

The care of Mrs. Phelps has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com