Chalma Little Phillips, beloved resident of Rockingham and Cary, North Carolina, passed away peacefully late in the night on May 25, 2026 at the age of 92.
Born Dec. 10, 1933, Chalma lived a full life and touched so many along the way. Chalma graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 1952 as class valedictorian. She then continued her education at Lenoir-Rhyne University, receiving a degree in Business.
Chalma loved life and new adventures, leaving a lasting mark on all who met her. Everyone who met Chalma commented on her sweet personality, her giving nature, and her gratitude for those around her.
Chalma was known for her love for her family and would do anything for them. Her happiest moments were spending time with family. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends and passing down recipes.
Chalma also loved playing and watching sports, especially attending N.C. State sporting events such as gymnastics, baseball, football and women’s basketball, but her favorite sport was men’s basketball. She would pace the house when watching, but truly loved attending games in person. Chalma maintained N.C. State football season tickets for decades and even braved a hurricane to watch a memorable game against Notre Dame. Chalma was also a fan of the Hallmark channel, as she thought life needed more happy endings.
Along with her parents, Charlie and Grace Little, and husband, Grayson Phillips, Chalma was preceded in death by a son, Lance Phillips; and her siblings, Fred Little, Ruth Little Reindhardt, Reva Little Reinhardt, Joyce Little Phillips, Earl Little and Delores Little.
Those family members left to carry her legacy are her sister, Alberta Little Weinberger; children, Shane Phillips of Stanfield, Teresa Bruton (Brett) of Archer Lodge, and Nathan Phillips of Raleigh. She also has two loving grandchildren, Lindsey Phillips (Brandon Herron) and Abigail Phillips.
Chalma enjoyed her life to the fullest and loved doing things for others. You could see that in her smile. A devoted Christian, Chalma was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church while in Newton-Conver and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church during her life in Rockingham (serving on the Church Council.) She also loved reading her Bible.
A visitation will be held on June 1, 2026, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral home (306 E. Franklin St., Rockingham) with the service to follow at the funeral home. A graveside service will follow at Eastside Cemetery (1484 Fayetteville Road, Rockingham).
Those wishing to send condolences may do so at watson-kingfuneralhome.com.
Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Phillips family.
