Phyllis Copley Summerfield

1935 - 2024

SUMMERFIELD, Phyllis Copley, of Richmond, VA, passed away Monday, January 22nd, 2024 while in hospice care at Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital of Richmond. She was a resident of the Hermitage Richmond and attended Sunday services there regularly. She was born to Clarence E. and Beatrice T. Copley on September 29th, 1935, in Richmond, VA, where she grew up with her sister Carolyn. A graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, and later Randolph-Macon Women's College of Lynchburg, she maintained lifelong friendships with her classmates. She worked as a schoolteacher before settling in Chesterfield County, VA to raise a family. She later worked for Chesterfield County Schools and United Virginia Bank and Crestar before her retirement.

She is survived by her four children, Elizabeth Harris Ware (Kent) of Williamsville, Paul Goodwin Harris (Teresa) of Chesapeake, John Daniel Harris (Samantha) of East Thetford, VT, and Carolyn Paige Harris (Hannah) of Richmond. She raised her children to appreciate education, nature, creativity, humor, and the importance of a personal relationship with God. A loyal fan of the Virginia Tech Hokies and a passionate gardener, her "Hokie-Hokie-Hy!" and gardening advice will be much missed.

She is also survived by her adored sister, Carolyn Copley Wake of Richmond, VA, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A memorial service will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 24th, 2024 at the Chapel of the Hermitage Richmond, 1600 Westwood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Hermitage Richmond's Chapel Fund or Special Olympics Virginia.