Phyllis Southwell

Phyllis Seidemann Southwell was escorted by her guardian angel to her heavenly home on October 21, 2021, to be in her ever-lasting presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was 98 years of age, and was born on February 1, 1923 in San Antonio, Texas.

Phyllis lost her dad to cancer when she was 9 years old and decided after looking at the crucifix above his bed that she wanted to become an RN in order to find a cure for cancer.

After beginning her training to become an RN at Incarnate Word College, money was tight and she dropped out of this nursing program and completed her nursing training through the Baptist Hopsital School of Nursing, from which she eventually graduated.

Phyllis Southwell was an RN and did her training in Psychiatry at John Seely Hospital in Galveston, Texas. As an RN, Phyllis took care of special needs child of Governor Shivers in Texas, Her career as an RN spanned from many different avenues, including working for Pery Post, MD, an internist, as well as Perry Donop, MD also internist and JWH Rouse, MD an Allergist. In retirement yeas as an RN, Phyllis was instrumental in caring for anyone who had the needs of an RN, which many times included individuals living within the neighbohood.

Phllis had an infectious laug. If you wanted to locate her whereabouts, just listen for the laughter and follow the trail to where he might be at any given moment. Because she had a love for people, she was involved in many different service organizations that impacted those for whom the service was being offered.

Among commitments, Phyllis was involved in structuring the courtyard at St. Johns Lutheran Church in downtown San Antonio. The courtyard was eventually dedicated in her honor. Inclusive in the St Johns tradition, a 125th years committee was formed to celebrate the 125 years of founding of St Johns. Phyllis was appointed to serve on this committee. The Christian Fellowship Group was also formed and Phyllis served in this capacity, also. As a member of the social concerns committee, Phyllis helped to bring refugees over that St Johns was sponsoring. Phyllis was also involved with Children of the Sewers in Croatia.

The March of Dimes was a service very dear to Phylliss heart as well as serving as a volunteer at the now Transplant Hospital in San Antonio. This service work rose out of appreciation of the gift of life that God gave to Phyllis. Weighing in at 1 pounds at birth, she was not expected to live. She was placed in a shoe box and the box was warmed with bricks from the overn in order for her to sustain life. She was not named for 6 months as she was not expected to live.

Family members who greeted Phyllis at heavens gate were her husband of 66 years, Bill Southwell , her mother, Vera Galle Seidemann, her dad Albert Charles Seidemann, and her sister, Bernadine Schnitz.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Deborah Nancy Southwell, her son, Wilson (Billy) Phillip Southwell, III (Lisa), her son Scott Charles Southwell (Michelle) as well as her brother Albert Charles Seidemann (Rieta). Several nieces and nephews round out survivors for Phyllis, which include Joe Marshall Roddy, Jr (Beth), Laurie Seidemann ONeal (Don) and Terry Seidemann. Phyllis also has several grandchildren as well as great grandchildren as well as a very special personal friend, Linda Mahoney.

A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a service to follow at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Porter Loring Mortuary West. Pastor Skip Courter will officiate. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.