Phyllis “Jean” McCuiston Bowers Umstead was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She died on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 in Waynesville, North Carolina.

Jean was born to Ralph and Myrtle McCuiston on November 24, 1939 in Greensboro, NC. She was a proud graduate of The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Jean worked as a medical technician for University of North Carolina and later for Carteret General Hospital in Morehead City, N.C. Jean is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Paige Umstead.

Jean loved spending time cooking, sewing and attending Bible study with her Calvary Baptist Church women’s group. Together, Jean and Mike loved dancing the Shag, boating with friends, and bragging on their grandchildren. Jean also enjoyed her volunteer work at Loaves and Fishes in Beaufort.

Jean is survived by her sister, Mary Kathleen “Kay” Simmons of King, NC; two daughters, Joy Bowers-Campbell and husband Jonathan Campbell of Cullowhee, N.C and Rebecca Bowers of Mount Pleasant, SC; a stepson Gregory Umstead and wife Felicia Umstead of Holly Springs, NC; and two grandchildren, Cassidy Campbell of Cullowhee, NC and Hampton Campbell of Athens, GA.

A funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 PM, Thursday, April 8, 2021at King Memorial Park with Rev. John White officiating.

Mrs. Umstead will lie in state on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM at Slate Funeral Home in King, NC. Due to current restrictions, the family will not be present.

Memorial donation may be made to Loaves and Fishes: P.O. Box 2535 Beaufort, NC 28156.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Phyllis “Jean” McCuiston Bowers Umstead.  Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.