She was born in Silvies, Oregon on March 7th, 1933 to Ralph and Frankie Hankins. Phyllis attended Burns Union High School, where she met the love of her life, John O’Keeffe, and the two were married in 1952. They moved to Clear Lake City, Texas in 1965 when John began work with the space program. Phyllis began work as a secretary for an advertising firm and, within a decade, owned her own successful advertising and billboard company.
Phyllis was a woman of strong faith and was a parishioner of St. Paul’s Catholic Church of Nassau Bay. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, reading books, and having spirited, intellectual conversations over coffee. She dedicated her life to nurturing her family and creating a welcoming home that became the source of many cherished memories.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, and wonderful husband.
She is survived by daughter Colleen, sons Dennis, Danny, Brian, grandchildren Brooks, Megan, Josh, Travis, Jacob, great-grandchildren Lyle, Laurel, Kamran, and niece Patti Hankins.
