Phyllis Diann Taylor's Obituary
Phyllis Diann Naylor was born on September 17, 1945, in Memphis, Tennessee to Floyd and Clydell Naylor. Phyllis went to be with the Lord on November 26, 2017, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She is survived by her husband, Donnie Taylor; three children, Cynthia Wilson, Christina Leach, and Wade Taylor; five grandchildren, Elizabeth McKitrick, Caleb Wilson, Jessica Wilson, Seinna Leach, and Reese Taylor; one great-grandson, James McKitrick; her sister, Patricia Baldwin; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her brother, Douglas Naylor.Phyllis began to pursue a degree at Harding College, but after two years decided to postpone her education because she had met the love of her life. Donnie and Phyllis were married on August 7, 1965 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and settled in St. Louis. They started their family in 1967 and Phyllis enjoyed her career as a full-time mother and housewife for many years. She established many fun traditions with her children surrounding birthdays, holidays, and road trips, some of which are still observed to this day.Once the children were older, she finished her Bachelor’s degree and then earned a Master’s degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, in order to pursue a career as a teacher and an administrator. She found her niche with early childhood programs; she was very gifted in teaching small children, communicating with their parents, and leading teachers to continuously improve their skills. She was Deputy Director of a Head Start program in Newcastle, Indiana, and it was there she met her “forever friend,” Paula Neal.In 2002, Don and Phyllis, by then empty-nesters, moved back to St. Louis to help take care of Don’s mother. At that time, Phyllis began a third career as a real estate agent. Don and Phyllis partnered in this endeavor and thoroughly enjoyed working together. Don credits their success to Phyllis’ talent with people; she quickly earned their trust and listened and responded to their needs, leading to repeat business and recommendations from clients.Don and Phyllis moved to the Tulsa-area in 2008 so they could spend more time with their grandchildren who all lived in Oklahoma. Phyllis continued the fun traditions with the grandchildren, celebrating birthdays and holidays with flair and taking the children on road trips as long as she was able to travel.Phyllis will be remembered for how she treated others with kindness and respect, exhibiting the love of Christ. She loved to write notes to encourage others and express appreciation. She enjoyed making scrapbooks for her real estate clients, as well as for her children and grandchildren. Even during the last few months of her life she endeared herself to the health care workers and other staff by showing interest in their lives.Phyllis will also be remembered for how she loved to give. She thoroughly enjoyed watching others unwrap a gift and experiencing the recipient’s joy. She also loved to give through cooking and baking, something in which she excelled. It gave her great pleasure to prepare a meal for family or friends and enjoy it with them.Phyllis understood and celebrated the value of other people, living in a way that touched many lives. Her example will be remembered for many years to come.A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2017, 10:00 am at Floral Haven in Broken Arrow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.
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