March 31, 2024, 74, Goldsboro —
Lillian Phyllis Kannan Radford, 74, was received into the arms of her Savior on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Wayne County to the late Thom Kannan and Helen Vann Talton on December 26, 1949. In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her brothers, Tommy Kannan, Vann Kannan, and Dicky Kannan.
A Graduate of Goldsboro High School, class of 1967, Phyllis continued her education at Hardbargers Business College. From there, she went on to St. Leo’s to complete her Bachelor’s Degree. Her master’s degree was obtained from Campbell University.
Phyllis’s work took her briefly into the banking world before settling in her profession at Wayne Community College first in the registrar’s office and after obtaining her Master’s she became a counselor for the High School Program at WCC. There, she had a long and successful career that spanned more than two decades until her retirement.
Married to her husband, Eddie, for fifty-three years, the two were high school sweethearts who never lost the love of their youth. They made quite a pair, especially on the dance floor where they enjoyed line dancing and shagging.
Day-long shopping trips were a necessity for Phyllis, and it mattered not whether anything was purchased. Keeping up with the latest fashion styles and trends while hunting for the best bargain was just as enjoyable as the purchase itself.
As a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Phyllis was active in the congregation and also an alumnus and a great help to St. Mary Catholic School.
Family was at the top of the priority list for Phyllis, for they were her greatest blessing. Family and friends alike loved Phyllis because of her sweet disposition and a pleasant smile that matched her personality.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Phyllis’ life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1000 N. Jefferson Avenue, Goldsboro.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, Edward Lee Radford; daughter, Kimberley Dawn Radford; granddaughter, Hanna Lee Pursifull and husband, Daniel; and was anticipating the birth of a great-grandson, Seth Korey Pursifull. She is also survived by her brother, Jack Kannan, and wife, Beth; nieces, Jacqueline and Carlin; numerous cousins she loved very much as well as her k-9 friends, Dazee and Dusty.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to
Wayne County Animal Shelter
1600 Clingman Street
Goldsboro, NC 27530
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
