Phyllis E. Locklear, 90, of Allen, Texas went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 23, 2021. Born in Troy, New York, on September 24, 1930, Phyllis was the only child of single parent, the late Bertha Mae Langenback. She grew up in Pittsfield, Massachusetts where there was never a shortage of "cousins" to fill the void of being an only child. At the age of 6, her mother agreed to help raise her niece and two nephews after the death of their mother. Phyllis now had "siblings" and eventually a new home in West Palm Beach, Florida. To help supplement the family income, Phyllis worked at the local "five and dime" until she graduated from Palm Beach High School and then began working full time for the telephone company as an operator.
In 1952, she met Dallas Locklear and they were married on January 9, 1953. Together they settled in Florida to raise their three children before eventually retiring to the mountains of North Carolina. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before Dallas went to be with the Lord in June 2003. Even after she married and had a family of her own, she would continue to periodically "supplement the family income". She had a “whatever it takes attitude” and a “giving” spirit. But besides her service to the Lord, her most satisfying job was being a nurturer and caregiver to her family. She had learned the importance of family at an early age and developed the skills she would need to be a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. When her children married, their spouses lovingly became her own. She especially loved her role as Grandma and GiGi. Her decision to move to Texas was fueled by her desire to be closer to family and to build memories with her younger grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren.
Phyllis is survived by her three children, Karen McDermott (Steve) of Round Hill, Virginia, Mike Locklear (Patti) of Allen, Texas and Danny Locklear (Susan) of McKinney, Texas; nine grandchildren, Sean, Kellie, Jessica, Melissa, Lauren, Aaron, Jenna, Tate, Dane; eight great-grandchildren: Ava, Cameron, Keira, Caleb, Aidan, Conor, Callum, Miller, Lucy Kate, and Isla.
Her time here on earth is complete and her new adventure in heaven has begun. Her love and service to her Lord and Savior were evident in the life she left behind. His virtues for a Godly woman (Proverbs 31) will be part of the legacy she leaves her family and a host of extended family and treasured friends.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral home in Allen, Texas. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Phyllis’ obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/phyllis-e-locklear. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. The family will receive friends during a visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Services will also be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Thompsons Funeral Home in Maxton, North Carolina where she will be laid to rest at Prospect United Methodist Church Cemetery beside her husband, Dallas, and the many families and loved ones who have predeceased her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or your local SPCA.