Phyllis Rossy

Born June 12th, 1938, to parents Wilbrun Akers and Ira Atkinson-Hoyer in Jonben, WV she eventually married at the young age of 16 and had five children before the time she was 25.

She told everyone that she could have the absolute best kids anyone could hope for. She knew that providing a good life for them meant hard work and true dedication to their upbringing, which she did with love, selflessness, and without complaint. Jean had a work ethic that was hard to match, famously never calling in sick and even when her home burned, she took only half a day off. She eventually retired from the former C&P Phone Company, having worked her way up from switchboard operator to a management position as a supervisor. As adults her children still recall and appreciate the love and care she put into raising them and the sacrifices she made along the way.

Jean, or “G” as her grandchildren call her, enjoyed many hobbies in the free time she did have. She enjoyed traveling wherever she could, but especially so if there was going to be a good yard sale or flea market; there she would find old furniture to restore and refurbish, bringing new life to pieces that had seen better days. She was also an avid golf player, even playing against those with more time to practice she still held her own, hitting hole-in-ones and winning many of the rounds she played. At home she enjoyed cooking, with hands that didn’t need measurements and a heart that knew exactly what food could comfort her friends, neighbors, and loved ones. In the evenings she would watch Jeopardy, play card games, and work on crosswords to relax.

She is preceded in death by her husband William “Ralph” Rossy Jr.; parents Wilbrun Akers and Ira Atkinson-Hoyer; sisters Helen Walker and Annabel Rought; brothers William Akers and Kenneth Akers; and a granddaughter Amanda Hughes.

Those left to cherish her memory include her beloved children, Debra Ewing of Beckley, WV, Rhonda McKinney (Scott) of Flat Top, WV, Angel Sullivan (Timothy) of Blacksburg, VA, Denver Hughes (Kim) of Coal City, WV, and James Hughes (Rebecca) of Matthews, NC; 11grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Blue Ridge Funeral Home of Beckley, WV, has the privilege of assisting the family in honoring Jean’s final wishes of private services. Those wishing to offer condolences are encouraged to do so by visiting the memories section of her memorial page on BlueRidgeFuneralHomeBeckley.com where memories, stories, and photos can be shared as we remember the remarkable life she led.