Aunt Phyllis

My mother's baby sister, Phyllis Ann (78), died this past Sunday, after battling that wretched disease, Alzheimers. We're all relieved for her. My mother's family all live in and around Charlotte, N.C. My mother has lived in California since her marriage to dad, so every so many years, our family has traveled out to visit the clan, and some of them have come out to visit us at Christmas or Easter.
Phyllis married in her late 30's to Jack Samson, who had three grown children from his first marriage. He was the love of her life, and her life seemed to change drastically after his sudden death.
She sent me many of her dresses and clothes, which I wore through high school and college. We cousins remember the fun we had playing in the back of her dry-cleaning van when she took us for rides. Up until her disease, she was writing and in touch with me, had a cute home and garden, and dealt in real estate. She and Jack followed sailing races and gathered often with the children and grandchildren. While Von and I were in Arkansas, we made a couple trips out to NC to visit, and Phyllis gave us her old bedroom suite, which we used for many years.


During a Christmas visit with us.

Phyllis and Granny during a Christmas visit. Me and my mother and siblings.

My mother's last family photo before Papa Wright's death in 1959. Eddie, mom (Rosie), Janet and Phyllis.

Phyllis and Jack with his children and grandchildren.

Our last visit with Phyllis in 2007 at her assisted living home. The four siblings, Janet, Eddie, Rosie and Phyllis. Phyllis actually seemed to recognize us and called our names with a smile and hug. My last memory of her, even though we hated leaving her there. It was funny to watch her carry her walker instead of using it properly!

A special thanks to cousin Al Wright, for his devotion and care in seeing to Phyllis's affairs these last difficult years. And to Janet and Eddie for their care and visits, as well. She's free!