Obituary for Phyllis Jeane Reese (Armel)
Phyllis Jeane (Armel) Reese passed away peacefully May 22, 2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease and an extenuating long-term illness. She was born December 21, 1932 in Winchester, VA to Opal Pauline (Smith) and Charles Robert Armel. She was a graduate of John Handley High School, class of 1951.
Her life and Christian faith were a living example of her love of Jesus Christ, her Savior.
Phyllis loved people. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother first and foremost. She was immensely proud of her children, Stephen and spouse, Mary Ann (Hart), Daniel and spouse Linda (Ryman), and Lisa and spouse Roger Wollaston. The love of her 11 grandchildren knew no bounds. She never missed a recital, a graduation, a choral performance or a sporting event. She was the ultimate Grandmother with her presence and presents. She was blessed with 8 (soon to be 9) great-grandchildren.
To say Phyllis was accomplished is an understatement. She had the voice of an angel and sang in choirs and choral groups in high school and church as a youth and throughout her life in Hagerstown, MD. She was always the soloist and often sang duets with her husband, David, and other members of the choir. It was a sad effect of Parkinson’s Disease that took her beautiful voice.
Phyllis was an extraordinary seamstress throughout her life. Not simply sewing, but her exemplary work knitting, crocheting and quilting has left her family with countless examples of her excellent work and loving memories. All of her grandchildren have worn sweaters and Christmas pajamas made lovingly by Grandma/Mee Maw that they will pass on to their own children.
Phyllis was a cancer survivor. She heroically fought and survived Melanoma and was thankfully in the 5th percentile that survived in the 1970s. She went on to champion cancer survivors as well as her long continuing work with the March of Dimes.
With gardens came peace and, in every home, that Phyllis resided, she cultivated her gardens. When visiting her children, she often commented on and admired their flower and vegetable gardens, giving much needed advice. It is a part of their Mother that her children look on their own gardens and say Thank You.
After raising her children, Phyllis worked for Standard Register and Caldwell Banker Realtors, Inc. as an Office Manager. She was a long time May Kay representative, which provided much peace and friendship for many years.
Please join us celebrating her life Saturday, June 6, 2020 at Jones Funeral Home, 228 S. Pleasant Valley Road, Winchester, VA at 12:00 for a visitation; and 1:30pm for a grave side service at Mt. Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation.
Her life and Christian faith were a living example of her love of Jesus Christ, her Savior.
Phyllis loved people. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother first and foremost. She was immensely proud of her children, Stephen and spouse, Mary Ann (Hart), Daniel and spouse Linda (Ryman), and Lisa and spouse Roger Wollaston. The love of her 11 grandchildren knew no bounds. She never missed a recital, a graduation, a choral performance or a sporting event. She was the ultimate Grandmother with her presence and presents. She was blessed with 8 (soon to be 9) great-grandchildren.
To say Phyllis was accomplished is an understatement. She had the voice of an angel and sang in choirs and choral groups in high school and church as a youth and throughout her life in Hagerstown, MD. She was always the soloist and often sang duets with her husband, David, and other members of the choir. It was a sad effect of Parkinson’s Disease that took her beautiful voice.
Phyllis was an extraordinary seamstress throughout her life. Not simply sewing, but her exemplary work knitting, crocheting and quilting has left her family with countless examples of her excellent work and loving memories. All of her grandchildren have worn sweaters and Christmas pajamas made lovingly by Grandma/Mee Maw that they will pass on to their own children.
Phyllis was a cancer survivor. She heroically fought and survived Melanoma and was thankfully in the 5th percentile that survived in the 1970s. She went on to champion cancer survivors as well as her long continuing work with the March of Dimes.
With gardens came peace and, in every home, that Phyllis resided, she cultivated her gardens. When visiting her children, she often commented on and admired their flower and vegetable gardens, giving much needed advice. It is a part of their Mother that her children look on their own gardens and say Thank You.
After raising her children, Phyllis worked for Standard Register and Caldwell Banker Realtors, Inc. as an Office Manager. She was a long time May Kay representative, which provided much peace and friendship for many years.
Please join us celebrating her life Saturday, June 6, 2020 at Jones Funeral Home, 228 S. Pleasant Valley Road, Winchester, VA at 12:00 for a visitation; and 1:30pm for a grave side service at Mt. Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation.