Phyllis Lavay Williams

Phyllis L. Williams, 90, died on May 4, 2015, in Scottsdale, AZ at Scottsdale Memory Care. She was born March 20, 1925, in Artesian, SD to Harvey and Gertrude (Scott) Threadgold. She was the fourth of six children. She met her husband of 71 years, James Williams, while in high school in Fedora, SD. After graduating from high school Phyllis moved to North Carolina where she married James Williams who was serving as a pilot in the US Army Air Corp. They moved to several locations while James was in training. At the end of WWII they moved to Vermillion, SD where James attended the University of South Dakota.

After James graduated they moved to Austin, MN in 1948 where Phyllis was a full time mother to four children. In 1983 she and James retired to Sedona, AZ and 15 years later moved to Sun City West, AZ. She enjoyed retirement to the fullest.

Phyllis love to golf, play bridge, dance, travel, grow roses and entertain family and friends. In 2005 she developed Alzheimer’s that slowed things down, but she remained active, cheerful and happy-go-lucky until the end.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and a brother, and husband (James) and oldest son Richard. Survivors include brother Harlyn Threadgold (Audrey) of SD: sister Dawna Felix: sons Michael H. Williams (Jane) of Austin, MN and Mark Williams (Cheri) of Tonganoxie, KS; daughter, Robin Gearhart (Robert) of Scottsdale, AZ; daughter-in-law Bonnie Williams of Sun City West, AZ; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 AM on May 23rd at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 13658 W Meeker Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375. Contributions in memory of Phyllis may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 1028 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006. Please feel welcome to leave condolence messages for Phyllis’s family at www.sunlandmemorial.com.