Phyllis Jean Staples Wade

Phyllis Jean Wade, née Staples, departed this life in the wee morning hours of Sunday, March 29, 2026. Having decided some weeks prior that, after 95 years on Earth, she was ready for her next grand adventure, she passed peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loving family.

Born at home to Dorothy and Roy Staples on September 28, 1930 in Covington, Virginia, Phyllis was the second born, preceded by her sister, Madeline, and followed by her sisters Joan and Barbara “Bobbie” Dean, and brother Gary Don. After moving to Lynchburg in her childhood, the family’s Mosby Avenue home was always known to be boisterous and full of joy, with more people than chairs for them, she often remembered. To this she credited her catching the eye of the “dashing, handsome” Earl Lee Wade, whom she married in 1948.

Before settling down in their first home together, and while Earl completed his college degree at Lynchburg College, Phyllis worked in Washington, DC as one of the first “fingerprint ladies” in J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI. Returning to Lynchburg in 1950, Phyllis began her second career as artist and wife, two great joys for her, to which she added Mother with the birth of her daughter Karen in 1951, followed by sons Craig and Kevin in 1954 and 1956. Married for 69 years, until Earl’s passing in 2017, Phyllis delighted in her husband and family, while also being active in both Central Virginia’s art community and innumerable charitable organizations.

Phyllis, known by turns as Phyl, Philly, Momma, Grandma, GMA, and Old Yady, is survived by her sister, Barbara Dean Miles of Richmond, Virginia; brother Gary Don Staples of Plantation, Florida; daughter, Karen Wade Campbell and husband Bobby of Madison Heights, Virginia; son, Kevin Wade and wife Janet of Orlando, Florida; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In Phyllis’ memory, and in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to paint a happy little tree à la Bob Ross, read Mary Oliver’s poetry, and/or plant something beautiful in your garden.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 3, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00pm at Whitten Funeral Home in Madison Heights, Virginia.