Phyllis Hail

Phyllis Hail, age 94, died Sunday February 8, 2026. Born in Ula KY., her parents were Amanda Sears Hail and Robert Lee Hail. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Wilma Dragsett, Verna Allen, Evelyn Baker, Eugene Hail, Seldon Hail, Eula Meece, Carl Hail, and Dr. Robert Irvine Hail, nephew Dr. John Allen and niece Allison Hail. Her survivors include her sister Joyce Davis (Ben) of Russell Springs, Ky, nieces Betty Zellner, Jana Coode, Gerry Musterman, Linda Hail, Beccy Hail Harding, Leslie Hail, Beth Hail, Susie Brett, Teresa Goggin and nephews Ben Russell, Mike Toby, Douglas Baker, Boman Hail, Robert Hail, Carl Hail, Mark Hail, Jeff Davis plus several great nieces and nephews. Phyllis was blessed by two long-time dedicated friends, Sandy Olds and Rev Ron Preuss.

After high school graduation from Shopville, Phyllis attended Rogers School of Business in Somerset, received undergraduate degree from Asbury University, and a graduate degree from Scarritt College in Nashville, TN. Her early career was in Springfield VA as a Christian educator. In 1972 Phyllis moved to Lexington, Ky where she had a long career as Associate Director of the Kentucky Conference Council of Ministries for United Methodists. After her retirement Phyllis worked part time at the United Methodist Church in Frankfort, KY. and served as a consultant to Brentwood United Methodist in TN. Phyllis was an associate member of Central Christian Church Lexington, KY.

Ordained as a Diaconal minister for the United Methodist, Phyllis was founding charter member and officer of Kentucky Christian Educators Chapter and lifelong member of the Nation Christian Educators Fellowship. She was also a member of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Leadership Development Committee and elected as delegate to General Conference, national legislative body of UMC and the Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference. In 2013, Wesley Village of Wilmore, KY recognized Phyllis's lifetime of service to the church, community and the world beyond in their award banquet as a Hero, Saint and Legend. In 2014 Phyllis was serving on the executive committee for Scarritt Bennett Center.

As an engaging, creative and generous person, Phyllis loved her family and friends and welcomed new adventures with others. She enjoyed nature, cats, music, and always going back home to the Hail farm. For her years of service as a Christian educator, Phyllis has influenced many and left a legacy of faith.

A celebration of life for Phyllis Hail will be held on Saturday, March 28 at United Methodist Church of Frankfort with visitation at 1 pm followed by service at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation honoring Phyllis to First United Methodist Church 211 Washington St. Frankfort, KY 40601 or Randall's Chapel Cemetery c/o Robert Hail 64 Ula Road Somerset, KY 42501.