Phyllis DeShazo Obituary

Phyllis A. DeShazo, 87, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024 at Charter Senior Living of Jackson, TN.

Ms. DeShazo was born October 23, 1936 in Camden, TN, the daughter of the late Reverend H.J. (Jack) and Mary (Graham) DeShazo. During her young life Phyllis moved rather frequently, finally settling in the Raleigh suburb of Memphis. She graduated from Bartlett High School in 1954, then attended Lambuth College in Jackson, TN, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music in 1958. She later earned a Master's Degree in library science from Peabody College in Nashville, TN. Phyllis was employed by Shelby County (TN) Schools, first as a music teacher, then later transferred to Millington High School to be their librarian. She served the students of Shelby County Schools for 40 years, retiring in 1998.

Phyllis was an active member of Raleigh United Methodist Church from the age of 6 until her death. She served on many committees and sang in the choir for many years. She was honored to be the person with the longest membership at Raleigh UMC for several years.

Phyl had many interests. She always had a book to read and enjoyed working jigsaw and word puzzles. She could be found playing bridge, often hosting, on almost any Tuesday afternoon, with other games throughout the week. Phyl also enjoyed traveling, exploring all 50 states and quite a few European countries. Phyl loved the Memphis State Tigers (University of Memphis) basketball teams, being a season ticketholder for several years. When the Grizzlies came to Memphis, she added them to her games to watch. These basketball interests were the source of many conversations with her nieces and nephews.

Above all, Phyllis loved her church and her family. She is survived by her sister, Joyce D. McSwain of Westerville, OH. Also surviving are those nieces and nephews she loved as her own children: Hal McSwain (Annette) of Ocala, FL; Ken McSwain (Chris), Columbus, OH; Ed Hare (Ginger), Jackson, TN; DeAnne H. Sharp (Bob), Jackson, TN; Mara M. Weed (Pete), Cheshire, CT; Charlotte H. Kerr (Jeff), Burlington, NC and Paul Hare (Ruth), Jackson, TN. It might be added that they loved her, as well. In addition, there are eleven grand-nieces and nephews and currently 15 great-nieces and nephews (with another on the way), who just one month before her passing had the opportunity to be with Phyl during a family gathering. In addition to her parents, she was pre-deceased by her sister, Alystine D. Hare.

Arrangements: Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday morning, September 27, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m at Raleigh United Methodist Church, 3295 Powers Road, Memphis, TN 38128. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. A private graveside service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to Raleigh United Methodist Church, or to your favorite charity.