Mrs. Phyllis Ann Brantly, 70, of Silsbee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Beaumont, Texas surrounded by her family and loved ones. Phyllis was born on Saturday, September 1, 1951, in Silsbee, Texas to Mr. Monroe Smith and Mrs. Opal Dezzra (McClelland) Smith. One of eight children, Phyllis grew up in the middle of a large family and spent her entire life here in Southeast Texas.
Phyllis was truly the heart of her family. A loving mother, best friend to so many, and fantastic Grandma to all her grandbabies; there was nothing she wouldn’t do for those she loved. Compassionate and giving, Phyllis was a proud LVN with a wonderful nursing career that allowed her to help others every day. Her most recent job was with Harbor Hospice where she was able to work with a fantastic group of doctors, nurses, and staff that made work seem like an extension of her family.
Family was always the most important thing to Phyllis, from raising some strong willed but lovable children, to serving as confidant and friend to in-laws and grandchildren- she was always there. Cooking and crafting were some of Phyllis’ favorite activities, and she sure did love her chickens! Slightly, opinionated….and always willing to make sure you knew her stance on a topic, Phyllis was a strong and confident woman who set a wonderful example for the younger generations. When not whipping up good food or maybe tossing a fishing line, Phyllis could be found indulging in some guilty pleasures with the TV; mainly Law & Order re-runs and helping QVC meet their monthly sales goal. This vibrant and joyful woman was truly a force of nature in the lives of those who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: John “JT” Tatom and wife Shandra of Silsbee, Charley Thomas Jr. and wife Mary of Houston, Kenny Thomas and wife Sheryl of Mont Belvieu, Daniel Thomas and wife Paula of Cleveland, and Donna Shirley of Baytown; her sisters: Betty Young-Spivey, Darlene Jones, Janice Roy, and Vickey Alford; her grandchildren: Chad Tatom Sr., Adysan Tatom, Baylee Savoy, Kaydence “Maci” Tatom, Brady Tatom, Jarrot Griffis, Thomas Griffis, Atticus Thomas, and another 11 grandchildren; her great-grandchildren: Chad Tatom Jr., and Wyatt Tatom; her first husband, Charles Tatom of Magnolia; and numerous colleagues, patients, extended family, friends, and loved ones through the years.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents; her late husbands: Charley Thomas Sr., and Galen Brantly; her daughter, Sheryl Beumert; and her brothers: John W. Smith, Morris “Doc” Smith, and Oddis Smith.
To honor Phyllis life and legacy, a time of visitation will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Grace Church of Lumberton, TX (North, 1130 Hwy 69, Kountze, TX 77625). A celebration of life will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Grace Church of Lumberton, TX (North, 1130 Hwy 69, Kountze, TX 77625). Phyllis will be laid to rest during a graveside service on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 4:00 PM at Malakoff Cemetery in Malakoff, Texas.
In lieu of fresh flowers, the family asks for fruit trees, vegetable plants, herbs, and anything else that you can grow and enjoy, to help spread the kind of nature that Phyllis enjoyed being out in so much.
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