Phyllis V. Brainard
April 29, 1941 - July 14, 2024
Phyllis V. Brainard, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, July 14, 2024. She was 83 years old.
Phyllis was born to the late Teddy Harrison and Eileen Simmons on April 29, 1941, and she grew up with a deep love for family and a vibrant spirit that touched everyone she met. Her greatest joy in life was her marriage of 65 years to her beloved husband, John, who was her steadfast companion and soulmate.
She was a proud member of the Loyal Order of the Moose for over 40 years where she held the title of Sr. Regent from 2000-2001 and as a Deputy Grand Region of the Maryland, Delaware, DC Moose Association in 2010. She was a long-standing member of Asbury United Methodist Church in New Castle where she became a Lay Leader. She was also an advocate to “Say No to Drugs”.
Family was Phyllis’s greatest treasure, and she loved nothing more than spending time with her loved ones, whether it was a simple gathering or a special occasion. Her warmth, kindness, and infectious laughter made every moment together unforgettable. Phyllis leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched with her gentle spirit and boundless generosity.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Teddy Harrison; mother and stepfather, Eileen and Albert Simmons; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Thomas Polus; brother, Teddy Harrison; and granddaughter, Bethany McNally.
Phyllis was a dedicated mother who cherished her children dearly: Donna (Kevin), Karen (Bob), Kathy (Jim), Jack (Paula); and daughter-in-law, Susan. Phyllis embraced every moment with her children, filling their lives with love, encouragement, and unwavering support. She adored her role as “Grandmom” and “Great Grandmom” to Bobby (Stephanie), Shawn (Jamie), Amanda (Sean), Jimmy (Lindsay), Grayson (Michael), Zachary (Becca), Katie (Sean), Jordan, Laura (Eric), Austin, Sofia; and 13 great grandchildren. She delighted in their achievements, showered them with affection, and created countless cherished memories with each of them. Phyllis is also survived by her Goddaughter, Peggy-Pike Burgess.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 12 pm on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a celebration of Phyllis’s life to honor her memory and share stories of her remarkable life will begin at 12 pm. A committal service will begin at 11 am on Monday, August 19, 2024, in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to National Fragile X Foundation in memory of Phyllis V. Brainard, 1012 14th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005 or online by clicking here.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear.”
Susie Harrison
My heart and all my love go out to family. My prayer for you all is love one another as God has loved you. When I first met Phyllis in 1970, she scared me because I was so young. As I grew to know her I loved her as a big sister. She has always put family and God first. She will be missed. Take care of each other and know you wife, your mother, your aunt or friend will always be with you, Love always……Aunt Sue
JOYCE TAYLOR
PHYLLIS WAS A SPECIAL “LADY”, WE SHARED OUR GRAND-CHILDREN AND GREAT-CHILDREN WITH HER AND JACK AND THEY
WERE SO SPECIAL TO ALL OF US, JACK, DONNA, KAREN, KATHY AND JACK I AM SORRY.
LOVE JOYCE
Linda Reece
Kathy and Family. We are so sorry for your loss but she definitely is now at Peace.
Debra Dashiell Warner
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom. She will be missed by many!
Deb & Mick
Lee Simcox
Phyllis was a remarkable woman, we are all better for having known her. Her works and legacies will survive her and cause us all to remember her.
Linda M Hackendorn
So sorry for your loss . Sounds like she was a lovely lady inside & out . My prayers for all your family . May she rest in peace with the Lord
Pam Ballard
So sorry for your loss. Aunt Phyllis always made me feel loved and welcomed! My love you all you guys.
Bill Ballard (Little Teddy)and Pam
Paul Grayson Bunn
We saw each other at weddings. I always enjoyed talking with her. She had a wonderful family.
Margie Hartnett
Kathy, Karen, Donna & Jack,
I’m sorry for the loss of your Mom. Sending healing prayers & comfort during this difficult time.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Margie
Elder Simone Rudd
Please accept my condolences in the loss of your loved one. Know that the Lord will comfort you during this time and memories will allow her to live in your heart.
Loretta
Phyllis you will be missed that beautiful smile and great laugh . Wonderful lady always thought of others first. Jack prayers and hugs lots of love
John Behornar
Kathy, Karen. Donna Jack I am sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. May find comfort in the memories you shared with her.
Susan Maden Beaver
I am sincerely sorry to see that your beloved Mother passed away. Always a happy lady. Keep your heart full of all your precious memories! 💓💓💓