Phyllis French Finchum

Phyllis French Finchum, 92, of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025. She was born on September 17, 1932, in New Market, Tennessee to Taft and Sara Manley French and is preceded in death by husband, Donald Edward Finchum, son Lynn Finchum, brothers W.T. French and Teezer French (Mary Ann), sister and brother-in-law, Roy & Trula Bolinger.

Mrs. Finchum is survived by her daughter Patti F. Black (David) of Brentwood, Tennessee and granddaughter Sara Grace (Ellis Godwin, fiance’) of Birmingham, Alabama as well as sisters-in-law, Jean Evans Mee (Joe Evans & Keith Mee, deceased), Ella Bea Hodges (Bill, deceased) and Betty French.

Phyllis was a graduate of Carson-Newman College earning a B.S Degree in Education and a Masters +45 Degree from Lincoln-Memorial University. Following graduation, she took a train to Southaven, MI. to begin her first teaching job. Shortly after she returned and worked for the Jefferson County School System for 35 years. After retirement her passion for teaching led her to Walters State Community College where she served as an adjunct faculty member for 3 years.

Another passion following her retirement was traveling. She managed to visit all 50 states as well as accompany friends to such places as Australia, New Zealand, Italy and her favorite, Israel. She was most impressed by the Holy Land and called it her favorite visit.

Phyllis was a faithful, active member of Beaver Creek Baptist Church serving in leadership roles. She was a strong supporter of missions, taking several trips to Chile and Costa Rica. Also, she was active in the Jefferson County Baptist Association and served on the Executive Board of Tennessee WMU.

Mrs. Finchum was involved in many organizations in the area to include Retired Teacher’s Association, Library Board, Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Strawberry Plains Homemakers Club and Strawberry Plains Senior Citizens. In addition, she served on the Jefferson County Election Commission for 25 years.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 23rd from 12 noon-2 p.m. at Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, Tennessee with the funeral service to follow. Burial will take place following the service at Beaver Creek Baptist Church cemetery in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following:

Heal Ministries (www.heal-ministries.org)

Walters State Community College Foundation, Lynn Finchum Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 1508 Morristown, TN. 37816-1508

Beaver Creek Baptist Church, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Attn: Ann McGhee 845 Beaver Creek Rd. Strawberry Plains, TN. 37871

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN