Phyllis Ramsey's Obituary
Phyllis Jane Thornburg Ramsey of Charlotte went to be with the Lord January 24th, 2013. She was the youngest daughter of Polie C. and Nellie Cloniger Thornburg, born November 15th 1933. She leaves behind one surviving sister and best friend, Margaret Tucker, her loving husband of almost 60 years Gene, son Larry (Vicki), daughter Renee Hutchison (Keith), grandchildren Diana Ramsey (Justin Greenburg), Stephen Ramsey (Heather), Lee Hutchison, and many sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant sisters Alma and Louise, adult sisters Gladys Clemmer, Faye Murphy, Inez Neal and one brother Everett Thornburg.
Phyllis had many joys and loves in her life, not the least of which was her family. She never tired of showering them with attention, food and affection. Her chocolate pies became her grandson Stephen’s staple for birthdays instead of cake. She greatly enjoyed being at Wendy Hill Beach where the family took yearly summer vacations. In addition to these trips, for many years there were fishing trips to the Outer Banks, where she and her sister Margaret would collect untold hundreds of shells while Gene and Jack would be off casting in the surf. Her granddaughter Diana even learned to walk during one such trip in 1987. She was a survivor of a successful liver transplant August 12th, 1996 at Johns Hopkins hospital. She often referred to this as her second birthday. She still carried her Johns Hopkins id bracelet and her transplant doctor’s card in her wallet. To the end, her liver was strong.
Another source of joy and satisfaction was her church, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, where she and Gene have been members since 1995. They were members of the Charles Reinhardt Sunday School class (she was treasurer), and she participated in nearly all church functions that time and her health would allow.
Phyllis worked for many years in the busy world of stocks and bonds, starting her career at Abbot, Procter and Paine first as an office clerk marking the board, and then as the “wire operator” in charge of sending and receiving all of the orders produced by the office: first by teletype, and then by computer terminal. She retired from Paine Webber in 1995.
Phyllis enjoyed working in the garden and putting up vegetables. Green beans, corn, tomatoes and okra were always on hand. Many trips to pick strawberries and peaches resulted in gallons of jam.
Phyllis and Gene were avid supporters of UNCC, where both their children went to college, and were basketball season ticket holders for many years. They also enjoyed traveling on day trips to the mountains, and one extended month long trip out west and back.
Phyllis was known as a classy lady by all who knew her: always dressed impeccably, a model of good taste and style. She had a quick smile, a ready laugh, and a boundless love for everyone.
A favorite phrase she would say on returning from a trip with her grandson Lee, “Home again, home again, jiggity, jog.” Now she is truly home.
Services will be Sunday, January 27th at Pleasant Grove UMC with visitation starting at 2:00, service at 3:00 with Rev. Billy Towery officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
Donations can be made to Central Carolina Liver Association, PO Box 691262, Charlotte, NC 28227-7022 or to Pleasant Grove UMC.
James Funeral Home in Huntersville is handling the arrangements. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
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