Phyllis Jean Rand

Phyllis Rand, 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and loving caretaker, Darlene Mitchell. Phyllis was born during the Great Depression and experienced, as a young girl, the hardships the country faced during World War II. Living through these events, she learned determination, resilience, and self-reliance. These traits served her well as she joined the U.S. Air Force shortly after high school, where she trained as a ground radio repairman during the Korean War. It was during her enlistment that she met James Rand. She later said that holding his hand felt like home.

Her next chapter in life saw her marrying James and raising well-educated and successful children. Determined to have a career as well as a family, she became a certified professional secretary (CPS) and embarked upon a decades-long career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Phyllis received multiple commendations from the FAA throughout her career, and a letter from the White House on her retirement from the FAA in 1994.

Phyllis was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, James, and her son Jeff Rand. She is survived by her sisters Marjorie Martin, Carolyn Acosta, and Nancee Andrews, her sister-in-law Betty Wilburn (Arthur) and their families, her two sons, Jerry Rand (Judy), Joel Rand (Martha), her daughter Marley Kent (Mark), and her grandchildren Jennifer Beeson (Michael), Jaime Rand (Megan), Travis Rand, and Erin Rand.

A memorial service for Phyllis will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com for the Rand family.