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Auburn University

Phllis Cordell Obituary

Phyllis Young Cordell of Gadsden, Alabama died Monday, March 23, 2015. She is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years, Ernest Dewey Cordell.
She was predeceased by her parents Martin Wallace Young and Minnie Baker Young of Montgomery and survived by her brother Martin Conner Young and his wife Linda, her niece Amelia Callen Henretty and nephew Wallace Lamar Young.
Phyllis was born January 9, 1951 in Montgomery where she graduated from Sidney Lanier High School. At Auburn University, she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and remained active in its alumni association. After graduating, she taught home economics at St. James School in Montgomery.
In 1976 Phyllis began working for Southern Progress Corporation in the Southern Living Cooking School. Over the next 14 years Phyllis conducted cooking schools through the South, not only sharing her exceptional culinary skills, but also charming audiences with her wit and gracious demeanor. In Gadsden, she was a member of the Cultural Arts League, the Antiquarian Society and the Thursday Study Club.
Phyllis was a member of the Methodist Church until 1995 when she joined the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter. She taught Sunday School, worked with the Hospitality Committee and faithfully attended services.
The family expresses sincere gratitude to Phyllis's special caregivers Christa Hedrick, Cacharel Williams, Samantha Blevins and the entire staff at Gadsden Health and Rehabilitation Center.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter, 156 South 9th Street in Gadsden. There will be a reception immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gadsden Times on Mar. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Phllis Cordell

21 Entries

Charles Walton

March 19, 2021

I´m driving to Gadsden for a COVID 19 shot and thought fondly of Phyllis driving that commute to work at Southern Living. I miss her great smile and personality.

danny brantley

May 13, 2019

phylis always was the true southern belle always smiling . I spent many a holiday a minnie and wallace's house food was great. she will always be a special person and memory to me.

Pat Smith

March 27, 2015

Dee I am so sorry about Phyllis and have great memories about some of the SL cooking schools and trips. Even rember her first day at work!,
Pat PITTMAN Smith

Debby Mathews

March 27, 2015

Phyllis was lovely,gracious and delightful. She was my mentor during my time with the PF /SL Cooking School. One newspaper we worked with described her in an article as unflappable. I like to remember her that way! Jake and I are keeping Dee and family in our prayers.

March 27, 2015

Phyllis was lovely, gracious,and fun to be with. She was a mentor to me during my time with the PF/SL Cooking School.One newspaper we worked with described her as unflappable.I like to remember her that way. Jake and I are keeping Dee and family in our prayers.

Mary Ellen Alexander

March 27, 2015

Dee, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many memories of life at Southern Living working with Phyllis. The framed "Kitchen Prayer" she gave me in 1978 still hangs in my kitchen, not far from Steve Martin's autograph, which she got for me when she saw him at a restaurant. She was always thinking of what she could do for other people. I am grateful that we reconnected at the SLCS in Estero, FL (I think it was 2001). My thoughts and prayers are with you.

March 27, 2015

dee if I could find the right words I would . she will always be special to me.sere you Saturday danny brantley

Larry Lee

March 26, 2015

So terribly sorry to hear about this. Have know of her health issues for a number of years and lifted lots of prayers.

Probably my favorite memory of her is the two of us going to an Auburn vs. Florida game in Gainesville probably 40 years ago. Our Auburn team lost. Walking afterwards back to the car she tired to snatch a rubber chicken being dangled out of a car on a pole. Not a good idea in Gainesville.

May God Bless.

Linda Ullian Schmid

March 26, 2015

Knowing and working with Phyllis at Southern Living Cooking School was pure delight. I learned so much about cooking, manners, and the "Southern Way" of being a hostess. My thoughts are with Dee and her entire family.

Devan and Hilda Lowe

March 25, 2015

Dee,
We were so saddened to hear of the loss of your precious wife, Phyllis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Gail Hawkins

March 25, 2015

I went to Bellingrath and Lanier with Phyllis. She was smart, sweet, and beautiful inside and out. My prayers go out to her family and friends.

Pam Cory

March 25, 2015

I remember Phyllis from Lanier. She always had a kind nature. May God put his healing hands on the shoulders of her family.

March 25, 2015

Dee, thinking of you and the whole family. I worked with Phyllis at Southern Living and she was always a joy and an inspiration. Never an unkind word about anyone and always a sweet smile on her face. I am blessed to have known her! Praying for comfort and peace for all of you. Deborah (Garrison) Lowery, Johnson City, Tenn.

March 25, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dee, Marty, Linda and family. Such a talented cook and hostess. We know she is now celebrating every day in the loving arms of our Father and her parents, Minnie and Wallace.
- John and Allison Mescha (Miami, Florida)

March 25, 2015

Dee, I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

David Hamilton
Lincoln, AL

Amy Williams Adams

March 25, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss, Dee. Phyllis was a dear friend to me at Lanier and also was in my wedding. I have many good memories of our friendship. May God give you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Charles Walton

March 25, 2015

Phllis and worked together at Southern Living Magazine for years. I was the Senior Photographer and she was an Editor. One of my favorite memories was a story we did on the Ky. Derby and D. Joined us in Louisville for the shoot. I will always remember them both that way as we had so much fun. D I am so sorry for your loss.

Jane Hartzog Martin

March 25, 2015

Phyllis was one of my first friends when I moved to Montgomery in 4th grade. I have wonderful childhood memories of her. We attended school together through college at Auburn. She was such a lovely person. My deepest sympathy to her family. May God's love grant you peace.

Jan Meredith Britt

March 25, 2015

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Sara Hudson Smith

March 25, 2015

Phyllis and I graduated from Lanier together and were freshman roommates at Auburn. She was a lovely woman, and I am so sorry to hear of her passing.

Donna Mills Davis

March 25, 2015

I am heartbroken to hear this sad news. Phyllis was a classmate at Lanier, and at Bellingrath Junior High as well, in Montgomery. I remember her well: sweet, kind, beautiful, and vivacious. My heartfelt condolences go out to her friends and family. I send love and prayers for comfort and peace at this time. RIP dear Phyllis.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results