Photo courtesy of Vaughn Funeral Home - Spring City
Spring City, Tennessee
May 28, 1937 – Dec 3, 2025
Phyllis Joanne Zimmerman, 88 of Spring City died at her residence, Wednesday December 3, 2025.
She was born to Rueben and Lena Zehr on May 28, 1937 in Normal, Illinois. Her Dad was a pastor and had a local Sunday morning radio ministry broadcast called “God’s Half Hour” and ran from 1936 to 1971. It was during one of those messages when Phyllis, at age 5, trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior.
Upon graduation from high school, Phyllis majored in education at Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College. Her first teaching assignment was for two years in a public school in Bloomington, IL, where she taught third and fourth grades. The summer in between those two years, she attended an Unevangelized Fields Mission Candidate School and was accepted as a member of that ministry. At the end of her second year teaching, she resigned and left for an opportunity to teach in a school for missionary children in Belem, Brazil. Although she was committed to spend the rest of her life there, a back injury brought her home. After recovering she served at Bible Witness Camp in the Township of Pembroke, near Kanakee, IL and soon worked as a teacher in the school.
Phyllis met Dwight Zimmerman in early summer of 1967, and then served for a month at Cedine that year. Just a few months later, they were engaged, and then married in May of 1968, then moved to Cedine Bible Mission where they served the Lord together until He called her home.
Phyllis is survived by her husband Dwight of 57 years, and a very large and loving family of 5 children, Stephen (Joan) Zimmerman, Phillip (Julia) Zimmerman, Timothy (Bobbie) Zimmerman, Susan Zimmerman (Ken) Adams, Keren Zimmerman (Craig) Baca, 21 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren.
Many family members and friends have preceded her in death. What a great reunion took place the day she went home to be with her Lord Jesus.
Visitation will be held at Vaughn Funeral Home on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 6pm until 8pm. Funeral Service will be Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10:30am with visitation at 9:30am at Christian Fellowship Church in Grandview, TN. Burial will follow at Cedine Bible Mission Cemetery with a meal to follow at the Jubilee Center.
Vaughn Funeral Home of Spring City is in charge of the arrangements for Phyllis Zimmerman. Please share your memories and condolences with her family ay www.vaughn-funeral-home.com
Read MoreKeren,Im so sorry to hear about your mom.You and the family is in our prayers
Kimberly Orick Ezell
December 11, 2025 | TN | Friend
We are praying for God to surround you with His love and comfort, Brother Dwight. Tom (Bench) and I loved visiting you at Cedine and are confident that we will see Sister Phyllis again in glory.
Sandy Bench, John & Martha Meeks, Trotwood OH
Sandy Bench
December 07, 2025 | Trotwood, OH | Family
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bimbo McCawley
December 07, 2025 | Dayton, TN | Acquaintance
Our deepest sympathies to Dwight and the family as you mourn your loss. The promise of eternity with our Savior, Jesus, brings us great hope. May knowing that Phyllis is delighting in His presence be your strength for the coming days. Those times of coming to Cedine with work groups always will have a special place in my memories. Phyllis was truly a gifted servant of the Lord and will be missed.
Todd & Kelly Eklund
December 06, 2025 | Byron Center, MI | Friend
This morning I walked around Cedine and took in the memories. I paused at the farmhouse and remembered the tin cup or the ladle that used to hang by the spicket for a cool drink of water. Sometimes Ms Phyllis would step out to greet us as we walked back from the swimming lake. I walked by the picnic area and remembered the times she handed out a bun for a hamburger or hot dog or gave a slice of watermelon. It was always with her sweet smile. I walked on the ground where KidsKlub was and...
Faith Hatcher
December 06, 2025 | Peru, IN | Friend
Mrs. Phyllis will not be forgotten. When I volunteered with the Cedine Summer Camp, she always gave me love and wisdom. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's ministry, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Ms. Judy Owens
December 06, 2025 | Bloomington, IL | Friend
We are praying God’s comfort for the family. We love her and will miss her dearly!
Garry and Chabeli Griffin
December 05, 2025
Mrs. Phyllis was a great example of faithfulness. The things I learn from her is still helping me today. what a great servant of our Lord. Phil.1:6
Eddie Echols
December 05, 2025 | BLYTHEVILLE, AR
Our dear sister is with the Lord. Praise for His promises to all who love Him and called according to His purpose.
Robert Manning
December 05, 2025 | Kingston, TN | Friend