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Phyllis O'Dell Obituary
Born Aug. 19, 1940, in Jenkins, Ky., she was raised, married and lived most of her adult life in Bristol Tennessee. During her time in Bristol, she was actively involved and served in leadership in various church, school and community organizations including the PTA's of multiple schools, Band Boosters of Vance Jr. High and Tennessee High School, the Viking Hall Board of Control and for eight years, the Bristol Tennessee School Board.
For the past 14 years she was a resident and friend to many in St. Petersburg, Fla.
She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Marie B. Stophel, and her father, Johnny Spradlyn.
She is survived by two daughters and their families, Donna Berns and husband Sean of Bristol and Dianne Chinery and husband Jeff of Tucker, Ga.; six grandchildren, whom she dearly loved, Cody and Daniel Berns, Claire, Ella Grace, Ethan and Noble Chinery; three sisters, Betty Morton and husband Johnny of Cumming, Ga., Jody McCall Ernest and husband Ben of Lakeland, Fla., and Nina Stephenson of Budapest, Hungary; her aunt, Dorothy Bellamy of Bristol Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 5-7 at Central Christian Church. Her memorial service will follow immediately at 7, officiated by the Rev. John Sichting. A private ceremony will be held Thursday and officiated by Ross Brodfuehrer.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Haven of Rest Rescue Mission, 624 Anderson St. Bristol, TN 37620. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Sarah LaPlaca
October 28, 2009
Dear Dianne and Donna,
We miss your Mom SO much. I KNOW that you do also. We will forever cherish the camping trip we recently shared. I saw so much of your Mother and Daddy in the both of you on that trip. They would BOTH be SO proud of the ladies and mothers you both have become. We are so blessed to still have connections with each other. Let's not ever loose that. I want to forever have a connection to Phyllis and Danny through the both of you.
We love you guys dearly!
The LaPlacas
Susan Morton Leonard
October 27, 2009
Dearest Cousins Dianne and Donna,
This is my last entry to this commemorative online guestbook. I'm ordering (for Mom) the printed books today for both of you. I pray they will be a lasting legacy to your children. It has been such an honor to read every entry her family, friends, and co-workers have posted, and see the photos that have been shared. She was loved by many, and touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Here is the dedication we're putting in the front of the printed book:
"Her honesty, humor, and vital spirit created enduring memories for Phyllis’ family, friends, and co-workers. She enriched the lives of so many as a concerned and loving family member, a trusted and dedicated friend, and a loyal and hard-working contributor in the workplace and her community. We loved her so much and miss her deeply, but she will always remain in our hearts."
We love you so much and delight in seeing your Mother in both of you.
Nina Stephenson
October 8, 2009
Well Dianne and Donna, this will be my "last post" before this guest book is finished. It has been over two years now since we lost your Mother, and not a day goes by that I do not miss her terribly. She left a huge hole in my heart! It was SO hard being so very far away, but our daily "visits" via computer literally filled every evening - for her it was afternoon.
Since Phyllis has been gone, I have had several opportunities (NEVER enough!!!!) to be with both of you and your families. She would be so proud of both of you, as I am! No one could ever take her place, but it is a pure pleasure for me to be able to be with your children. I love them as if they were MY grandchildren, and since I have none of my own, I most selfishly and joyfully claim your children as my grandchildren. Thanks for sharing them with me - let's do it more often!!!!
Much love,
Tante Nina
Candid photo of Phyllis
June 8, 2009
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Four sisters: from top, Betty, Jody, Phyllis, & Nina
June 8, 2009
One of many Thanksgivings at Ree's
June 8, 2009
Dianne & family. Phyllis loved her two girls & all her grandchildren!
June 8, 2009
Phyllis & Donna tailgating before a UT game
June 8, 2009
Phyllis (center) playing handbells at Avoca Christian Church
June 8, 2009
kristina willis
February 13, 2009
I remeber band trips with Dianne and Donna, spending the night at your house, and your mom being SO MUCH fun! Kristina Willis
Evelyn Trinkle
February 13, 2009
Fondly remembererd by Evelyn and Roger Trinkle
norma Barker
February 13, 2009
Phyllis - one of my dearest friends,
When my mother died, she stayed three days at our house and took care of us. I never forgot that. It meant so much to have her there. I spoke with her last on her birthday on August 19. I will miss her very much. Norma Faye
Grammy and Daniel
February 13, 2009
Nina, Mom, and Jody
February 13, 2009
Christmas 2002
February 13, 2009
Ella Grace;s 3rd Birthday
February 13, 2009
Dianne's bridal lunch
February 13, 2009
Donna's wedding
February 13, 2009
May 2007
February 13, 2009
Grammy and Claire
February 13, 2009
Grammy and Ethan
February 13, 2009
Grammy and Noble
February 13, 2009
Ruth Newsome
February 13, 2009
Dianne and Donna,
I have many good memories of your mother. My mother loved your mother and her sisters very much. When my dad died, it was Mom's wish that "Marie's girls" sing at his funeral. It meant so much to my mother, brother and me. Much Love, Ruth
Debbie McCall Brodfuehrer
February 3, 2009
Dianne and Donna, how I loved your Mom ... when I think of her, I think mostly of how she made me feel.
Being with her I felt unconditional love and support, knew gut wrenching laughter, and a complete sense of comfort. I remember, as a little girl, I loved being at Phyllis and Danny's ... to me your home was warm and inviting. Kids were included in everything. We were part of the fun. I liked being a child there.
From your Mom I learned that loving people doesn't require a neat and clean house, a perfect dinner, or an invitation. She welcomed and loved in an instant -- she disregarded the state of her home, her schedule, her comfort to make me feel welcome when I stopped by or called ... her time, attention and compassionate heart were mine.
We had some deep and important discussions concerning some particularly difficult events in my life -- she was understanding and helped me by showing her deep wounds regarding our shared experiences. Her openess and compassion were a special gift and God has used that time with her to help heal me.
This is not a Danny O'Dell sight so this might seem funny to mention ... but even when they really struggled with each other she couldn't not love him. When we talked, I'd remind her that I was crazy about Danny, I loved him ... she'd say, "I know you do". And she would smile. I knew she loved him, too.
Dianne and Donna, I see so much of your parents in you! I loved them. So much of who I want to be and what I love about other people reminds me of them.
I miss them. I thank God for them. And for you. I love you, Dianne and Donna!
Amy Trocchi
January 28, 2009
There are so many things I could say about Aunt Phyllis, and all of them are GOOD! What a fun-loving woman and such a great spirit! I have learned so much more about her since her death. I wish I had been able to hear all of these stories while she was alive. All of the stories just confirm all of the feelings I have about her. I think most importantly, she was such a great in-law to my mom throughout all of the growing up they did in that funny family! Some of my parents' best memories are the visits to Florida in the last 10 years or so. They so loved sharing grandkid stories! I am grateful that so much of Phyllis is in her two beautiful daughters and that they are so good at keeping in touch with family! I so loved Phyllis, and we are all so lucky to have known her!
Jody McCall Earnest
January 21, 2009
Our last real visit with Phyllis and Danny O’Dell was for Thanksgiving at our home in Florida, 2007. Ben was especially happy about their being there. Dr. Herman O’Dell had been his principal instructor in his undergrad years at ETSU. It’s hard to think of Phyllis without including Danny O’Dell. We always called him by his full name, because we had a few Dannys in our immediate family.
We had been close friends of his since our early teens – I was fourteen when Danny McCall and I started dating. Most of the time we’d go to a movie, have a cheeseburger at the Windsor Drive-In or Barrowman’s, and just sit in the car and talk for a long, long time. Our conversations were about the future and how we both wanted a Christian family. We didn’t know it would be our joint venture in life.
Those days, we spent a lot of Sunday afternoons at Charlie Sams’ house and eating his mother’s hot rolls, playing Rook until time to go back to church. Craft and Blanche were my youth sponsors all through high school. A few years later, my Danny McCall was playing softball with all those guys at Central, and we were the college age sponsors. We were in Bristol for a year between Vanderbilt and going into the military. Those were the days when ice cream in Danny O’s back yard began. He’s the only one that could make it like that. That’s when Danny and Phyllis and I were snapped in the group photo on Facebook. We went back and forth to Central for decades.
Our first duty station was Fort Knox, where the other skinny Minnie photos on Facebook were made with Deb, Chris, and Mother (Ree-Ree), standing beside Joanne’s birthplace [true – a ’57 Ford], and the one with Phyllis and Danny O’Dell by a tank.
I remember well when Danny and Phyllis were newlyweds. First, I seem to recall that her hair turned green when she had it bleached for the wedding and she had to wear a wig – was that for their wedding?
One memory stamped (stabbed) into my mind is from their residence in Kingsport, where we lived for eight years, until Dan got his MDiv. and re-entered the Army as a Chaplain. [The military changed his personal name to “Dan”.] Phyl asked me to take care of her cat while they were out of town for a few days. She did have two Siamese cats, but one had died while they were on their honeymoon. Those (ahem!) cats were her life before Danny came along. The cats never did like anyone but Phyllis. But I agreed to water their plants and feed this poor lonely feline. It went okay the first few days. I was feeling quite confident and almost like the cat and I were pals. Until one day I was watering the plant on their long dresser. All of a sudden, something came flying from the right, and that cat (with claws) was wrapped around my neck, shoulder to shoulder. I screamed all the way out the front door. That poor sweet kitty {!!!} was hit by a car a few weeks later. No comment, except that I promise it wasn’t my car that hit him. Anyway, Phyllis had lots of cats after that. Lots of cats and a few dogs, too. I think she got that from “Aunt” Nina.
“Uncle” Mahlon and “Aunt” Nina Pratt lived with us for a short time when we were all still in school. Aunt Nina had accumulated 23 cats, all in our back yard at 625 Alabama Street. Nice house and yard, but too small for that many cats. She brought home chicken innards from her Piedmont Market to feed them. That’s where I learned the expression I save only for the worst of times: “Gag a maggot!!” However, Aunt Nina did make the best chicken salad I’ve ever tasted.
Phyllis was about age eleven when this huge experience in our lives took place. Mother decided that the cats had to go – at least all but a few chosen ones. So Betty and I gathered twenty of them and put them, scratching and clawing, into the car. [Ever hear a cat scream? Try 20 and shudder!] Betty drove and I fought them off, all the way out into the country, to Mahlon’s father’s farm. This was somewhere about the distance to Steele’s Creek Park now. We were so relieved to get rid of them, while Phyllis was home crying for the cats! I was just bleeding, aching, and totally traumatized by their farewell cruise. The worst part of all was that every one of those cats found their way back home!!
Oh, no. The stories keep popping into my head. But I won’t tell you about all the sisterly cat fights. Except that I was the mouse. Four girls home alone (disregarding Granddad, which I always did) while Mother worked three jobs just to feed us. Besides, only two battles would have been fatal, but Phyl and Nina had poor aim.
We did have a lot of fun, though. I always volunteered to wash the outside of the upstairs windows, because I loved heights. I remember I had to stand with my feet pointed outward because the sills were so narrow. But I was able to trust Phyllis to hold me by my legs. For bottom windows, she’d lower top ones for me to hold onto. We learned to be resourceful. There were the times we put the living room couch pillows outside on the ground and jump from the window of the room Phyllis and I shared. Again, I loved heights! It’s a wonder we all survived.
Well, I’m going to cut this off. It’s far too long, and there’s a lot of life to cover. So, to be continued . . . Love you, Dianne and Donna. Always.
Aunt Jody McCall Earnest
Susan Morton Leonard
January 17, 2009
Sure missed you this year for Thanksgiving and Christmas :(
I keep Ree's broccoli casserole recipe in my e-mail from you, so as I cooked it, you were there with me.
Will never be the same without you here ...
Love you, Phyl,
Your Susie
Joanne McCall-Larson
October 8, 2008
Phyllis, for me, is synonomous with heart, gusto, guts, and that "I dare you" smile. I loved every minute with her--she never fit a stereotyical stoic, stand-offish or observant relative (thank goodness!). When we were in the same house, car, or "stop by and see ya" spot, we were together--we laughed, we cried, we asked, "So what?" and answered that question bluntly about life, love, and the in-betweens. I miss her laugh. I miss her drilling, doting eyes and how special she made me feel.
I hope to impact others with a portion of the "umph" she navigated, blundered, conquered, or steered through life with. She loved her girls, her family, her friends, her work, and the Lord. We talked a few days before she passed on, and the love in her voice for me fit and filled her spot in my heart--the one that aches now without her. Wish I could see her, wish I could laugh with her one (okay, 100) more times...
much love and glad memories,
Joanne "Ba-Calls" (as Unlce Danny used to say)
Jody McCall Earnest
October 7, 2008
Dear Family,
I have tried to write an appropriate entry for this book, but so far, the least shrunken number of pages is six, single-spaced.
That does not include the seventeen photos I had to relate memories about.
It has been a most interesting week, with the anniversary of Phyllis' death on the 5th and Mother's birthday on the 6th.
The older I get, the more of those bittersweet dates are collected, especially September 9th. My own children will recognize that date forever, as I will.
So, there are only two days to narrow all this down and get it online. I will continue to ignore the 125 e-mails (a grudge, not a positive list, although I dearly love each of those ties). They can wait one more day for my attention.
So, greetings to my family. I will continue to "cut it down" and get it on here. I appreciate Betty's efforts. But, as writers, we do spend a lot of time doing these projects. That's one of the ties we have, but have used for others more than ourselves.
I love every single one of you, and glow with each photo and each note you've shared.
Some day all our barriers will be removed, and we'll be together and able to love each other -- in person -- for eternity.
Johnny Morton
October 5, 2008
Dear Phyllis,
I want to add to my entry sent Sept. 3. We all loved camping, and I remember every time we went I would see the wooden table you gave us for the camper. Every time I saw it, I thought of you. I must admit that I can remember only two times in my life I broke down and cried: once when my father died and second when Danny passed away. Miss you.
Johnny morton
October 3, 2008
You will surely be missed because you were such a loving person. I loved you so much. I loved
kissing you and I think it was because I onllyI got one kiss a year (new years eve). You will surely will be missed every day. (I LOVE YOU)
Cody & Danniel sure loved their Grammy!
September 29, 2008
Daniel & Cody, Donna's boys
September 29, 2008
Cody & Daniel, Donna's boys
September 29, 2008
Phyllis, Noble, and Jeff
September 16, 2008
Phyllis with Noble
September 16, 2008
Danny, Phyllis, Aunt Donna & Ella Grace
September 16, 2008
Phyllis with grandkids - Ella Grace, Claire, and Ethan
September 16, 2008
Phyllis as a young girl
September 16, 2008
Phyllis & Claire
September 16, 2008
Baby Phyllis
September 16, 2008
MARIE NOBILE
September 15, 2008
My Dear Friend
You will always have a special place
in my heart. You are so missed.
Donna O'Dell & Susan Morton with Aunt Nina Stephenson (center)
September 14, 2008
Dianne & Donna on Ree-Ree Stophel's front porch
September 14, 2008
Danny, Joanne & Chris McCall with cousin Dianne on her birthday, 1971
September 14, 2008
Daddy, Jody, Phyllis, Betty, Grandaddy Bellamy, Barbara, Dorothy,Nina
September 14, 2008
Ree-Ree, Jody, Phyllis & Danny with Debbie & Chris McCall
September 14, 2008
Grandmothers Ree-Ree Stophel and Omah O'Dell & Dianne, 1971
September 14, 2008
Joanne McCall with her beautiful Aunt Phyliis
September 14, 2008
Nina with her father (Grandaddy Spradlyn) and Donna & Dianne O'Dell
September 14, 2008
Donna & Dianne with cousin Sarah Morton
September 14, 2008
Cousins Debbie, Donna, Chris, Dianne, and Sarah, 1971
September 14, 2008
Susan Morton Leonard
September 6, 2008
One year *sigh*. Dianne and Donna were in my thoughts and prayers all day yesterday. Mom had a really tough day yesterday missing you, Phyllis. :(
Betty Morton
September 6, 2008
My dear, sweet sister Phyllis. I thought of you so much yesterday, one year after you left us so suddenly. I remembered I talked to you on the phone about one hour before you had to be rushed via ambulance to the hospital. I did not know that was to be our last conversation, but I am so thankful we had that last "goodbye, I love you" between us. I want everyone who contributed to "your book" to know that your family appreciated their entries telling of fond rememberances of your life and what you meant to them. The guest book entries will soon close Oct. 9th, and then I am having the whole thing printed for your daughters to treasure and hand down for generations to come. They will always know how much you were loved and how much we all miss you. I will always treasure our lives together, and we were lucky to have had so many years together weren't we? I am looking forward for us all to join together in heaven some day and maybe "the singing sisters" will be able to sing a few songs together. Love you with all my heart.
Betty
Nina Stephenson
September 5, 2008
Can it have already been a whole year since you left us? It seems as if it were yesterday, yet it seems as if you have been gone much longer. How I miss you. There are so many things I want to share with you as I did all of my life.
I am here now, on the same side of the Atlantic, but you are not here. That saddens me greatly, makes me miss you even more. All the plans we had to go places together and do things together when we both were retired. Now I am retired, but I cannot share these happy times with you.
Phyllis, God is blessing me so very much. Imagine. . . I am PAIN FREE!!!! I wish I could share all of this with you, but then, I think you know! You know how I long to talk with you, to do the fun things together we had planned. Yes, you know. You are and will always be my precious sister, whom I love.
Today, I celebrate once again your life - such a special life, cut short so suddenly one year ago today. I miss you, honey.
Nina Stephenson
August 19, 2008
August 19th. Always a very special day all of my life. Last year, Phyl, I missed your birthday. I was so far away and could not get across the Atlantic to see you or hug you. We talked, though, as we did every day, but I missed that hug. Now I am here and you are far away. Oh, my dear, dear sister. How I miss you. I greive still for the loss of you in my life. I long still for a hug, a kiss, a touch, a word. "Retirement" has lost some of its "zip" for me, because we had so many plans of things we would do together. I am here now, honey, and I have the time we always talked of and dreamed of, but you are gone. Oh, how deep is that loss.
But today I have a choice to make, as does anyone who is reading these lines. We can choose to focus in on the loss of a precious sister, mother, aunt, grandmother ("Grammy") or a truly great friend, or we can rejoice in all of the wonderful memories she left with us. I choose laughter. I choose joy. I choose to remember her smile and her encouragement, and her laugh. Today I choose once again to CELEBRATE PHYLLIS! I honor you on your birthday, Phyllis, and while I miss you terribly, I love you even more. Your warmth and your love are still deep in my heart and shall forever remain so.
Happy Birthday with all my love,
Nina
Susan Morton Leonard
August 18, 2008
In honor of Phyllis's birthday tomorrow,
How I wish I could spend just one more birthday with her. I think about her so often, and miss her calling me "Susie". I know she's smiling down at me right now!
Love and miss you, Phyl,
Susan
Phyllis in high school
August 17, 2008
Claire's Birthday Party, at the Chinery's house
August 17, 2008
Nina and Phyllis on Phyllis' birthday, 1994 (54 years old)
August 17, 2008
Phyllis & Danny Oct. 1967
August 17, 2008
Phyllis with her babies -- Diane & Donna, Feb. 1972
August 17, 2008
Phyllis & Nina, Aug. 23, 1995
August 17, 2008
Donna's wedding, May 29, 1995
August 17, 2008
Phyllis' lovely home in Florda
August 17, 2008
Gaye Bentley
January 3, 2008
I thought about my extended family during Christmas,knowing how hard it must be to lose someone as special as Phyllis.You continue to be in my prayers.Phyllis was Phyllis and I loved her for that.
Susan Morton Leonard
December 25, 2007
Nina, your puppy is soooo cute! Phyllis would LOVE him. We all know what an animal lover she was. It was great that you shared Precious with her ... and us ... in this way. :) We missed you both so much this Christmas! I was glad to chat in instant messenger online Christmas Eve, and we heard you call us today! We could hear you, but you couldn't hear us! :( We heard you say, "I love you," and that meant so much to us! Phyllis, you were so missed today!
Nina Stephenson
December 25, 2007
Well, it seems as if I may have made a huge faux pas here! It was the most natural thing in the world for me to share with Phyllis about the puppy I got for Christmas and to send her a picture of me with "Precious". Sitting in church tonight, I began to think how "inappropriate" or "out of place" that may have been. So, to Dianne and Donna, I apologize if the picture I sent was not a memory of your Mom, but I think you will understand. For others who may read this book, know that Phyllis and I were THAT close - we shared daily the things we were involved in or that happened to us. I miss her more than words can say.
Nina and her precious puppy
Nina Stephenson
December 25, 2007
Christmas 2007 - so different from Christmas 2006 and all those preceding it in my entire life. This one was without you. I thought most of my "grieving process" was behind me, but then came Christmas 2007. How you loved to wrap beautiful packages to put under everyone's tree - not to mention the love and thought and expense you put into the gift inside! I wrapped mine alone this year, but I used the beautiful special wraps you gave me two years ago. However, somehow part of the joy of a beautiful package has gone.
I got a puppy for Christmas from my Hungarian family. He is so cute! He is a West Highland White Terrier, and I have named him Precious. Finally I have a picture to add to this guest book that you did not already have. I suppose there will be many more pictures now, but in the true "Scarlet O'Hara Fashion", I will think about that tomorrow!!
The days are long without the hours we spent every evening (for me, afternoon for you!)playing games on Pogo and sharing every event in our lives. To say I miss you is such an understatement. But, AH! The memories! Those will never dim, and as long as I have life and breath I will love you and remember so much!
Thank you, my sister, my friend.
Nina
December 24, 2007
Judy Hall
December 22, 2007
Reading the entries in this guest book gave me insight into how loved and loving Phyllis was. I'm sorry I didn't know her personally, but feel these heartfelt writings are a tribute to her sweetness and how much she will be missed. My deepest sympathy to her family and loved ones.
Susan Morton Leonard
December 19, 2007
Sarah's entry sure made me cry! I have spent the past few weeks thinking the same ... every Christmas Eve in our youth spent at your house, Phyllis. And last year, we spent Christmas with you and Nina around Sarah's dinner table and the night before sharing gifts around her tree. Sarah IS carrying on the tradition of your hospitality of and good food, and we so appreciate that. Phyllis, we miss you sooo much! I, also, cannot bear to remove you from my cell phone, e-mail address book, or your last e-mails to me. My hearts are with your children and grandchildren constantly, especially this time of year. I want to call or write them all the time to let them know I'm thinking of them, but I don't want to make them sad. We all miss you so much, Phyl.
Sarah Laplaca
December 17, 2007
Dear Aunt Phyllis,
I have been avoiding signing this album, not sure why... but I suspect that I am trying to avoid thinking about life at Christmas without you. Christmas has always been such a wonderful time... and I can't think of it without you in mind. Christmas eve was always at your house when I was growing up. Your special touches with decorations, food and hospitalitly will never be duplicated. (even though I will try!) Now that I am grown, Christmas eve is at my house. I try my best to get that same loving, warm feeling that your home brought to me. Since living in Atlanta, you have either spent Christmas eve, Christmas day or the day after with our family. I can't believe you won't be here. I miss you more than you'll ever know. I can't bring myself to remove your phone number from my cell phone, and I still have the email you sent me 2 weeks before you died. I hope that I can make as many fond memories for my family that you have given me. Chrissy has just started girl scouts. I remember going to your troupe meetings with you as your "junior leader". You were such an involved mother, and your children benefitted greatly from that. I love you and miss you. Your traditions will live on in your children and grandchildren. Rest assured that I will keep many of your traditions and pass them along to Chrissy. I will not go through this holiday without the heartache of missing you.
Susan Morton Leonard
November 25, 2007
Hello, Friends and Family,
A PHOTO ALBUM has just been created in memory of Phyllis. Please click on the "VIEW THE PHOTO ALBUM" button on the right, in the middle of the panel. Please add photos to this album. It's easy to upload your pictures directly from your computer. Let's share our special memories with Phyllis together.
Loving memories of Aunt Phyllis,
Her "Susie"
"Goodbye my Friend," the back of Phyllis' funeral bulletin.
November 25, 2007
Phyllis at home in Florida.
November 25, 2007
Here are the sisters, doing the "Ree-Ree pose".
November 25, 2007
Last Thanksgiving at Ree-Ree's house, 1989.
November 25, 2007
Betty, Jody, and Phyllis at Jody's wedding, July 2, 2005.
November 25, 2007
Phyllis, Nina, and Phyllis' younger daughter, Donna
November 25, 2007
Four sisters with family members, Thanksgiving, circa 2003
November 25, 2007
Nina and Phyllis on a cruise, 2005.
November 25, 2007
Life's paths oft keep us apart;But we're always in each other's heart
November 25, 2007
Phyllis' favorite flowers - Pansies
November 25, 2007
Helen Pickel
November 19, 2007
phyllis
September 5, 2007
Good-bye my friend .... go with God to that place where your soul will be at rest.
Good-bye my friend ....but please walk slowly and leave your smiles along the way to light my path when God chooses for me to follow.
Good-bye my friend ....I will never see a cat, stretching out to relax, that thoughts of you won’t enter my mind.
Good-bye my friend ....you have taught me forgive those that we love when they hurt us.
Good-bye my friend ....many are waiting to greet you – those loved ones gone on before.
Good-bye my friend ....you taught me to love people for who they truly are.
Good-bye my friend ....You taught me the depth of your understanding.
Good-bye my friend ....I will always remember your telling me that love has a short memory.
Good-bye my friend ....when I want to hear your voice, I’ll call Donna; and, when I want to see your smile I will look at the brightness of the North Star against the night
Good-bye my friend ....you now will truly know how many lives you have touched. You will see your fellow man and rest peacefully with the knowledge that you were sent to softly enter their lives and make greet them with a smile.
Good-bye my friend ....you will always be the epitome of a dedicated MOTHER.
Good-bye my friend ....I will not grieve for you – I will praise our God for taking you home, away from the tremendous pain and lonliness since Danny’s death.
Good-bye my friend ....you may see me lose control and allow a tear to slip silently down my cheek
...but it will be my message to you that I miss you and hurt from the loss of you in my life.
Good-bye my friend ....allow me to sit on my patio and talk with you – just as we did hundreds of times and had plans to do again.
Good-bye my friend ....thank you for allowing me to know all – the pain, the joy, the sorrow, the peace, the dreams, the regrets – but most of all knowing you.
Good-bye my friend ....I will try to be a better person because you came into my life. I will try to meet anger with peace, pain with forgiveness, pride with humility and most of all understanding.
Good-bye my friend ....I did not share the morning of your life; I shared the afternoon and the dusk .... that quietest of times when our souls prepare for the darkness of night.
Good-bye my friend ....save my seat when you reach that great porch lined with smooth, worn, wooden
rockers. Sit close to the lilacs and as they bloom and the fragrance drifts around you think of me, soon to follow.
Good-bye my friend ....you have fought the battle and the victory is yours.
Betty Morton
November 6, 2007
I am preparing to submit a photo album of Phyllis' family and friends. I would like to encourage the submission of photos from those of you who have signed her guest book also. This site is open for another year to express our memories of her and how much we loved her. Also, please choose to be contacted so that many of us who do not have access to your address may communicate via this book. The family would also like to thank you for contributing to her memorial. The final bound book of all the contacts made and pictures submitted will be given to her daughters when the site expires so that they will have that beautiful remberance of their mother. I hope you will take time to participate to the contents of Phyllis' Guest Book.
Betty Morton
October 21, 2007
Please help me pass the word on that this Guest Book has been extended for entering expressions to/about Phyllis, and for viewing, for one year (until Oct. 9, 2008). Feel free to post photos, etc. (there is a small cost for that; see banner to the right of this Guest Book). Again, thank you to all for contributing to the memory and celebration of Phyllis's life.
Betty Spradlyn Morton, Phyllis's sister
John Morton
October 5, 2007
I miss you Aunt Phyllis, I still can't believe you are gone. I am so thankful that we had the opportunity to give you a ride back to St. Pete on our way to the Outback bowl last Christmas. I never thought that would be the last time I would get to be with you. One of my fondest memories growing up, were when you, Danny, Bill and Norma Fay would let me come with mom and dad to play cards with you guys on Saturday nights. To include a kid in your fun and fellowship helped me learn how to be adult and to develop my sense of humor, sitting for 2 hours with such fun and interesting adults was an honor I cherished and still fondly remember. Another memory I keep are the UT bowl games that we would come down to Florida for each year and sometimes you would meet us. I know you enjoyed the games and especially the tailgates before the games, I am so glad we shared that. Today, as I was packing to leave to go to the Tennessee / Georgia game in the morning I thought of you and it made me sad, because I remember you calling the morning of the bowl game last year while we were driving to the place we were to pick you up, and you had to tell me you didn't feel up to going to the game as bad as the weather was that morning, and how disappointed you were. You are in a better place now, but yet, I still feel you with us. I know tomorrow and from now on, you are sitting in the best seat in the stadium. I love you Phyllis.
John
Nina Stephenson
October 4, 2007
Today will be a very long day for me as I make my way back to my "home" in Debrecen, Hungary to contine the mission work God called me to Europe to do over 31 years ago. My precious sister and friend, Phyllis, will not be on the other end of my computer tomorrow night when I sit down to write. That will be hard. We talked and laughed and played canasta and pinochle for a couple of hours every night through our computers. Hers is now silent. Having read the entries contained in this Guest Book, I know that I am not the only one missing her friendship, her smile, her quick wit, her honesty and integrety, her faithful support as friend, confidant, love and care giver. She was and shall forever remain in my mind as a beautiful woman who was always "there" for any who needed her. Her life was simple, her loyalty ran deep, and her cup of compassion was overflowing - ready for the next one who needed her in any way to just "step right in"! Thank you for your expressions of sympathy. I have been blessed by what you all have written. May God bless you and your families and be YOUR peace in the midst of your storm. He is faithful!
Nina Spradlyn Stephenson
Debrecen, Hungary
Betty Morton
October 4, 2007
This will be very hard for me to write as the memories of my beloved sister flow through my mind, but I owe this to her. She would be so glad, as I and my whole family are, that you have taken time to sign her guest book and for the many cards and kindnesses we received. It is so good to know how many of you loved her as her family did and appreciated knowing her warmth, love, kindness, and friendship over the years. She will always be remembered in our hearts and through the photos we all have of her depicting good times with loyal friends and family. Was she not beautiful and fun to be with? Even if she disagreed with our choices in politics, society, or everyday opinions, she respected them and stood up for what she believed and we loved her for her honesty. No one could ever question her love and loyalty to her family and her friends. Oh, how she loved all of us, especially her grandchildren. They and her beloved Danny made the last years of her life so meaningful for her. Neither the rough times, bad health, or distances from her loved ones kept her down for very long. She loved her work, her friends, her family and she will be sorely missed. But we must know she is in a better place and she shares the same memories we do. Again, thank you all for sharing your experiences with her through this guest book and all the other wonderful tributes you gave her, and I want you to know her family appreciates what you contributed to her life.
Sharon Swiney Anseth
October 1, 2007
To All of Phyllis' Family: I was really sorry to hear of Phyllis' death. My memories of her go all the way back to Alabama Street. I remember Nina's first birthday party(hosted by Betty & Jody), walking with Phyllis & Nina to VBS at Central Christian Church, attending Central School together, sharing Phyllis' clothes at church camp when it was at Milligan, and sitting at a table together in one of those wild THS study halls when we were upperclassmen. She always amazed me at how quickly she had learned things whenever I would quiz her for a test! Then time passed, and we were both mothers working for the PTA by manning the concession stands at the "Stone Castle". But most of all I remember what a special lady she was, as are all her sisters. I was out of town and could not attend the memorial service, but my thoughts and prayers were (and still are) with you all.
Derek Blanton
September 15, 2007
To Phyllis's Family my deepest sympathy. I worked with Phyllis at Payless for only a couple of years, but she made an impact that will last forever. She was a dear woman and great friend to all. I will be praying for you all during your time of loss.
Sandy Douglass
September 14, 2007
Phyllis how I miss you,our every day talks on the phone,going to lunch,playing Bunco.You have been a Very Good Friend to me
God Bless You
Sandy
September 14, 2007
God saw she was getting tired and a cure was not to be,So he put his arms around her and whisperd "come with me" With tearful eyes we watched her suffer and saw her fade away.Although we loved her dearly We could not make her stay A Golden Heart stopped beating,Hard working hands to rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the Best !
Beth Alfonso
September 14, 2007
Donna, Diane, Nina (who I had the joy and pleasure of meeting), and the rest of the family. My heart is aching at the loss of Phyllis. I had the pleasure of working with her for 10 years. Over those years we became very close friends. She was like a mom to me but also a dear friend who helped me through many ups and downs. I will never forget her laugh, her smile and her giving of herself to everyone, even before you she took care of herself. Also her love of cats!! She could never let a stray one go. I know she is in a better place now and without pain but she is missed. I do know I will see that smile again one day. My love, prayers and hugs to all the family.
The Rusetos Family
September 13, 2007
Our deepest sympathy in your loss,may heavens light guide you thru your toughest times. A better place she's in, and another star shines bright in the night sky.
Maria Trueba
September 13, 2007
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Sharon Hitch
September 13, 2007
Phyllis was such a nice giving person I know you will all miss her very much. We had such a good time at Bunco. We all will miss her.
Kris Cannan
September 12, 2007
May I extend my deepest sympathy to the family in your time of loss.
I am one of the players in the Bunco Club here in St. Petersburg that Phyllis belonged to. I knew Phyllis best in these few hours we spent together. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a keen perspective on life. I will miss her quick wit and warm laughter. Her kindness reached far beyond the games we played together. I always knew her to go the extra mile to help anyone in need.
She will be missed by all that knew her. Phyllis my friend….Thanks for the memories we shared together they will stay with me forever.
May you rest with the angels until we meet again.
Joy Katz
September 11, 2007
I knew Phyllis only a short time in Pogo Hog Heaven.. Hog Wild room, she was a wonderful woman and will surely be missed. My condolences and prayers to her family and friends..GJOYSCAT (Joy)
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