Phyllis Marie Obery

Phyllis Marie Obery, 77, of Elland, West Virginia, peacefully passed away on June 3rd, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Born on August 21st, 1946, to the late Marie and William Shelton, she was one of nine children. She attended and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1964 in Martinsville, Virginia before moving to Newark, New Jersey in 1965. Prior to relocating, Phyllis gave birth to her two eldest children, James Scales age 60 and Thurston Dandridge age 59. Once in Newark, she met and married Billy Obery on August 24th, 1968, and out of that union gave birth to their daughter, Leshonda Obery age 49.
While Phyllis navigated being a wife, mother, auntie, sister and friend, she worked for Eagle Affiliate in Harrison, NJ and retired after 18 years. Post retirement, she spent her time traveling and loving on her five grandchildren and great-grandson. Phyllis was a beloved member of her community and often hosted cookouts, block parties, and organized the community garden. in 1990. She became a devout follower of Christ and joined New Life Family Bible Church in Newark, New Jersey and has been a faithful member for 34 years. In her later years in life, she developed Dementia and moved to Greensboro, North Carolina with her daughter, Leshonda. She spent her last days in comfort, surrounded by the love and support of her children and grandchildren.
Phyllis is survived by her sisters: Nickie Norton (Lou Norton) and Floriece Shelton.
Her brothers: Randolph Scales, Edward Shelton, William Shelton, and Pete Shelton (Mimi Shelton)
Her children: James Scales, Thurston Dandridge (Linda Dandridge), and Leshonda Obery (Gregory Barnum).
Her grandchildren: James Scales Jr., Shaneah Obery, Shakerah Obery, Stephan Obery, and Daniel Blaze Jr.
Her great-grandson: Jaden Cromer.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, William and Marie Shelton; her husband, Billy Obery; her siblings, Leonard Shelton and Steve Shelton; and her in-laws, Marion Scales and Christine "Tina" Shelton.
Phyllis' passing leaves behind a void that cannot be filed, but today we honor her life and the joy she brought to all of ours.
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