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Phyllis Joanne Zimmerman
1937 - 2025
BORN
1937
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Phyllis Zimmerman Obituary
Born: May 28, 1937 | Died: December 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 was held at Vaughn Funeral Home on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6pm until 8pm. Funeral Service was Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:30am with visitation at 9:30am at Christian Fellowship Church in Grandview, TN. Burial followed 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
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Zimmerman
Sponsored by Vaughn Funeral Home - Spring City.
13 Entries
Sandy Bench
December 7, 2025
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
Bimbo McCawley
December 7, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Todd & Kelly Eklund
December 6, 2025
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.
Faith Hatcher
December 6, 2025
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 remembered listening to missionary stories told with such passion you thought you were beside the character. Sometimes she dressed in costume or held an item to emphasize the story. Walked the field in front of Hodge Hall and remembered the games we played as children while our parents were in the staff meeting. Now I can hear her singing It Pays to Serve Jesus , it Pays every STEP OF THE WAY. May her grandchildren meet her in Heaven. She is safe in the arms of her Lord and Savior
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Ms. Judy Owens
December 6, 2025
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.
Garry and Chabeli Griffin
December 5, 2025
We are praying God’s comfort for the family. We love her and will miss her dearly!
Eddie Echols
December 5, 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
Robert Manning
December 5, 2025
Our dear sister is with the Lord. Praise for His promises to all who love Him and called according to His purpose.
Amber Webster
December 5, 2025
Granny Zimmerman was amazing. I cherished our texts and her notes to me when I was sent my Cedine mail. She made me feel so special and thought of. God Bless her and the entire family. Heaven gained another angel.
Charles and Carleen Parham
December 4, 2025
We're blessed to have known her. Sending love and prayers to all the family.
Carolee Luther
December 4, 2025
Grief can be hard even when the loss is expected. May the memories you shared bring you comfort. Knowing that one day you will see Ms Phyllis again there will be a day of rejoicing! Sorry I am unable to attend but know I am thinking of each of you and praying for comfort.
Joy and Danny Reed
December 4, 2025
So sorry for your loss
Phyllis Vanderpool
December 4, 2025
Phyllis was such a sweet and precious lady. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Vaughn Funeral Home - Spring City150 New Lake Road P.O. Box 129, Spring City, TN 37381
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