Phyllis Ann Jones made a notable entrance into the world - due to be born on her father’s birthday, but decided instead to arrive 2 weeks early on her mother’s birthday. They shared many years of celebrations together. Much of Phyllis’ childhood was spent in the Midwest and the family eventually settled in Bay Village, Ohio, where she was the Princess of the house (in spite of the opinion of Stumpy the raccoon) , and always had the perfect sweater set on and a boyfriend hanging around.
Phyllis attended Stephens College in Columbia MO, where she met Hank Williams. The youngsters married and welcomed daughter Shari. Work moves took them to KS and then to Cincinnati, where Diana and Micky joined the family. The family moved to Tampa during the boom years in 1975 and enjoyed friendships in growing Carrollwood as the children progressed through school, ski trips with the Tampa Bay Snow Skiers, and time on the Lake and on Anna Maria Island. She drove carpools, taught Jazzercise when it was THE thing, read romance novels, volunteered in PTA and the Service League and the Carrollwood Garden Club, and covered home décor items in coquina shells between episodes of Days of Our Lives.
Phyllis loved dancing through all the stages of her life, and was able to spend additional time honing her moves with various dance groups when she wasn’t working in the Boutique at Stein Mart. Her favorite was Carolina Beach Music, and with the dance clubs she found friendships and met her favorite dance partner, Bill Murphy. They danced their way through a 22 year marriage, and have enjoyed traveling and watching their blended family grow. Over the years, they hosted endless visits and holiday dinners, and visited their 16 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren to watch sports, recitals, award ceremonies, Grandparent’s Days, MANY birthday parties, and general shenanigans. The grandchildren were the light of her life, and following their adventures was her focus over the last few years. She continued to love anything covered in whipped cream, and anything with chocolate, and might even share with the grandkids. Even recently, when the disease has left her with significant limitations and she had great difficulty walking, she could still get in her moves if there was beach music playing and Bill was holding her hand.
Goo Goo Boogie Dee.. We will forever keep the memory of her smiling face in our heart. She left us way too early, and will be missed by spouse Bill Murphy, Brothers Ric and Mike Jones, Children Shari Palasti, Diana McClanahan, and Micky Williams, Step children Kim Murphy, Kathy Condon, and Connie Vandevelde, as well as 16 grand children and 6 great-grand children.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
