Phyllis J. Minnis

With unending love for her family and friends, Phyllis Minnis was a blessing in the lives of those around her in such a special way. She was kind, compassionate, and loving, but perhaps what she will be remembered for most was her selfless spirit. Phyllis treasured her roles as a wife and mother, but she just might have argued that becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother many times over was life's sweetest reward. A longtime resident of the community she loved, she was known and loved by so many. Life will never be the same without Phyllis here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts. The 1930s were some of the most trying years we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was covered by the dark cloud of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and things only became more dire when a drought blanketed our nation's heartland for nearly two years during this time. Despite the trials around them, Forrest and Grace (Marble) Moored were able to shift their focus to a time of great joy in their lives as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Phyllis J. on November 1, 1934, in Hastings, Michigan. The older of two girls, she was raised in the family home alongside her younger sister, Sheila. To support their family, her father was a plumber who also did maintenance work while her mother was a hairdresser and cook. Phyllis moved around quite a bit with her family, and she especially loved her time at Galesburg. She attended local schools and was also active in the local 4-H during her younger years. Phyllis attended Vicksburg High School, graduating in 1952. Not to be forgotten during her years in high school was Phyllis' introduction to the young man of her dreams. His name was Robert Minnis. Although he was a couple of years younger, they had study hall together. Once Phyllis saw him in study hall, she said she wanted to marry that guy someday. They began dating, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Phyllis and Robert were married on January 27, 1956. Together they welcomed three children including Karen, Alan, and Linda into their hearts and home. Phyllis had fantastic skills in the kitchen, and she was especially known for her blueberry buckle as well as her blueberry and cherry pie. Robert always loved her rhubarb pie. Home was always her favorite place to be, and she also enjoyed going to a place they once had up North. Robert and Phyllis also enjoyed dancing together. They would travel around the area with their friends and dance the night away. Later in life Phyllis was thrilled to become a grandmother to eight grandchildren, and she had several great-grandchildren as well. In addition to caring for her home and family, she was actively involved in the things they were part of including as a Girl Scout leader. Phyllis was also a proud supporter of all of her son's sports activities. In 2001, she was deeply saddened with the death of her husband. Throughout her life Phyllis was someone who preferred to be busy. She did so many things and never let any handicaps that came her way limit her. Phyllis was a longtime member of Wakeshma Community Church. As her family and friends can attest, she had an amazing green thumb, and she was able to keep a 100 hundred year old Christmas cactus that had been her father's. It has since been separated and divided among several family members so they could keep the family legacy alive. Phyllis was an avid golfer and spent many years playing on a golf league until arthritis kept her from being able to play any longer. She then took up aerobics, which was something she continued doing until two weeks before her death. Phyllis was a diehard Detroit Tigers fan who was known for saying that any opposing team was "dirty sports." All who knew Phyllis J. Minnis would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was a woman of faith, and her life exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. Phyllis was strong and determined, she experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. She faced trials at times, but her faith remained strong in all things. Phyllis will be forever missed. Phyllis J. Minnis, of Fulton passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at the age of 84. Phyllis is survived by her three children: Karen (Joe) Austin, of Fulton; Alan Minnis, of Fulton; Linda (Dan) Colter, of Fulton; eight grandchildren: Kathy Austin, of Fulton; Brad (Kayla) Minnis, of Vicksburg; Brandon (fiancée Heather Norton), of Three Rivers; Josh (fiancée Darcy Simmons) Gilkey, of Mendon; Audrey (Cody) Smith, of East Tawas; and Collin Colter, of Fulton; Kevin Colter, of Kalamazoo; and Daniel Colter, of Kalamazoo; and many wonderful great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister: Sheila (Max) Spealman, of Scotts; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert in 2001; and two grandsons: Brian Minnis and Kurt Austin. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4 to 7pm at the McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg, MI (269-649-1697). A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11am at the Wakeshma Community Church, 16732 East YZ Ave, Fulton. Burial at South Fulton Cemetery. Please visit Phyllis' webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can sign the guestbook, and share a memory. Those who wish may make contributions to the Wakeshma Community Church.