Phyllis Annette Evans, a beloved and generous soul, passed away on November 13, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on September 18, 1947, in Humphries County, Mississippi, Phyllis was a resident of Kingsport, Tennessee, where she was known for her selfless nature and dedication to her family and community.
Phyllis was a life insurance agent who never truly retired. She was very proud of the things she learned, the knowledge she attained, and the experiences she gained through her career in the industry.
Her strong willed and driven spirit led her to fill her days with thrifting, maintaining a thrift booth, and managing a couple of small businesses. She was a woman of many talents and interests, including playing cards—particularly hand knee and foot, tizzy, and bingo. Phyllis had a huge vocabulary and read constantly, which reflected her exceptionally intelligent and giving nature.
Family was everything to Phyllis, as she was the glue that held her family together. She loved her children, grandchildren, and extended family dearly, always finding ways to ensure everyone had what they needed. Phyllis enjoyed cooking for her family and sharing meals with her neighbors and friends. Her selfless acts extended beyond her family; she was always looking for ways to help others. She would take neighbors to food pantries, drop off extra items to those in need, and seek out angel trees to buy gifts for strangers. Having experienced the loss of possessions in house fires, Phyllis knew how to help others acquire necessities to recover from such tragedies.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her father, James H Baldwin; her mother, Mavis Broomhill; her sons, Jared "Heath" Williams and Albert Williams; her brother, Jerry Baldwin; her daughter, Brenda Kay Cabaniss; and her grandson, Thomas Logan Clendenin.
She is survived by her daughters, Sheila Costa, Diane Hunley (Anthony), Misty Clendenin (Thomas Jeff), Charlotte McLeland (Lance), Lisa Wright, and Vickie Stagner (Brad); her son, Chuck Williams (Angie); her sister, Pat Heranney; her brothers, Jimmy Baldwin (Lolly) and Johnny Baldwin (Bonnie); her grandchildren, Kolton, Kayla, Eric, Shelby, Mason, Lauralee "Madison," Amanda, Tiffany, Phillip, Emily, Kelsey, and Brody; lots of other grandchildren and great-grandchildren and one on the way; countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends; and her special friend, Vickie Compton.
A visitation will be held on November 18, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm at East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664. A Celebration of Life will follow from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the same location. The committal service will take place on November 21, 2025, at 2:00 pm at East Lawn Memorial Park.
Phyllis had lost a two sons to Cystic Fibrosis, and in her memory, monetary donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at CFF.org. Her legacy of love, generosity, and community service will continue to inspire all who knew her.
East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park are honored to care for Phyllis's family during this time.
