FAYETTEVILLE — Mrs. Marie DeBella Phelan, "Nana" to her friends and family, passed away Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, in Village Green Rehabilitation Center in Fayetteville. She is survived by her two sons, Jim and Charlie Phelan; daughtesr-in-law, Susan and Janet Phelan; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Born June 2, 1917, in Elizabeth, N.J., she ws preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Adeline DeBella; her husband, Charles Phelan; and brother Tommy DeBella. During World War II, she was a member of the Civil Service, and worked in an office that directed and managed military ship convoys to the European front. Following her marriage to Charles Phelan in 1945, she and her husband settled in New Bedford, Mass., where she became a devoted mother, church member, gardener and civic club member. Several years following her husband's death in 1979, she began a new life in Fayetteville. She had assumed the care of her parents, Frank and Adeline DeBella, and provided a joyful and loving home for them until they passed away in their mid-90's. Marie loved her life in North Carolina. She especially enjoyed gardening and trips with family and friends to the mountains and the beach. She was an active member of her local garden club and served as president for several terms. Her loving and infectious spirit will be sorely missed by all of us. She has left us a legacy of joyful memories that will continue to enrich the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her. A celebration of Marie's life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, in Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home in Fayetteville, followed by a graveside service in Cumberland Memorial Gardens.Funeral: 1 PM Tuesday September 16, 2014 at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home Burial: following service at Cumberland Memorial Gardens.