Born April 15, 1932 in Buena Vista, Va, she was the daughter of the late Ernest A. and Madge Ryman Staton.
Phyllis graduated from Parry McCluer High School in Buena Vista. In earlier years, she worked as a Teachers Aide at Jackson Via Elementary School in Charlottesville and Sperry Marine. Later in life she babysat for those in her community. She was a member of West Waynesboro Church of Christ where she participated in helping with the churches food pantry and previously of Cherry Avenue Christian Church where she was a member of the Thelma Carter Circle. Phyllis was also a member of the Seminole Trail Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers.
Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Lewis T. Gilbert; her three children, Karen Ellis and husband, Donald of Daphne, AL, Gregory Gilbert and wife, Bobbie of Waynesboro and Mary Jo Gilbert of Waynesboro; three grandchildren, Charlie Gilbert, Marie Gilbert and Brooks Ellis; and many loving nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, 618 W. Main St., with Phil Forehand and Pastor Stan Martin officiating. Burial will be private.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Active pallbearers will be Charlie Gilbert, Donald Ellis, Brooks Ellis, L.G. Ferrier, Randy Gilbert and Kevin Williams.
The family would like to give a special heartfelt thank you to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah for the love and care shown to Phyllis and their family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Mission School, 1760 Edgewater Dr., Grundy, VA 24614.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com
