Phyllis S. Ferguson

Mrs. Phyllis Simons Ferguson, beloved wife and mother, passed away on October 22, 2024, in Seattle, WA surrounded by family. Born in Washington DC to Martha Phyllis Garrett Simons and Alfred Edgar Simons, she was reared in her hometown, where she married the love of her life, Richard Ferguson.

Mrs. Ferguson's belief in fairness and equality led her to advocate for those who were not welcomed at the table. For over four decades, she was an activist in the United Methodist Church (UMC), including its Pacific Northwest, General and Jurisdictional Conferences. She received the UMC “Bishop’s Award in recognition of her gracious and skillful ways she helped to weave Pacific Northwest United Methodists more closely together, and in affirmation of her commitment to Christ and the Christian way of life.”

Other volunteerism included the Seattle Board of Ethics and Fair Campaign Practices Commission, president of the Howard University Alumni Club of Greater Seattle, the board at Seattle Children's Theater, the board of Northwest School, and Totem Girl Scout Council.

Despite many obstacles, Mrs. Ferguson was blessed and gifted with a marvelous life. She met many extraordinary people and had lifelong friendships. Family and friends remember Mrs. Ferguson as being confident and outspoken, yet they also remember her sense of humor, and her advocacy for equal justice and love. Mrs. Ferguson used the gifts given to her by God.

Mrs. Ferguson was predeceased by her husband, Richard P. Ferguson, DDS, MSD. She is survived by her four children, grandchild, great- grandchild, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Ferguson asked that gifts be made to the Richard P. Ferguson Endowed Scholarship at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Gifts may be made online at giving.uw.edu/richard_ferguson_scholarship, or mailed to the UW School of Dentistry, Box 357137, Seattle, WA, 98195-7137. If you have questions, please contact Doug Day at (206) 543-6017 or [email protected].

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Sand Point Community United Methodist Church, 4710 NE 70th Street, Seattle.