Obituary of Phyllis J. McLeod

Phyllis Jean Brown was born in Seattle, Washington on March 26, 1926 to Glen Brown and Bonita Gilham. She was the third born out of three children. Her older sister, Barbara and brother Stanley.

As a child she played the accordion and knew many songs. She enjoyed her cats and had one named “Heather”, whom she had into her late teens. She was popular and well loved in school.

Her Dad died when she was only six years old and the family moved from Seattle to Portland. They lived with his parents for a time then eventually moved into their own place.

She attended Lincoln High School where she sang in the Acapella choir. She enjoyed waterskiing and swimming.

As a young person she worked in a movie theater, Fred Meyers, and as a telephone operator. She was so skilled and excellent in her work, that she was used as an example to new hires for many years. During WWII she worked in three different Portland shipyards as a Union Melder.

She was married to John B. McLeod in 1952 and together they had three daughters, Sandra, Suzanne, and Shelley. She was a devoted mother and confidante.

She was an animal lover and during her lifetime she had three dogs, cats and two parakeets. She enjoyed puzzles, in particular the New York Times and was always able to complete them. She loved fashion and wore it very well! She enjoyed interior decorating, floral arranging, was an avid tennis fan and never missed a match on television.

She loved photography and travelled to many countries in all parts of the world. She and her family also enjoyed annual vacations to Hawaii, Palm Springs,and Canada.

For many decades she suffered greatly from a rare and extremely difficult neurological disorder and from tinnitus. Later in life, she had a severe hearing loss and very low vision, along with osteoporosis.

We take comfort in knowing she is now able to see and hear clearly. And also free of the distress of the other conditions.

She is a clear example to all of perseverance in the face of overwhelming and staggering conditions. Her sweetness, buoyancy, and lack of bitterness are remarkable. She is truly a saint and is a greatly beloved mother and friend.

We know that she is very happy and at peace with Jesus, her Savior and her family. She is now reunited with her husband and daughter Sandra, who predeceased her.

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Strength and honor are her clothing and she shall rejoice in the time to come.
Proverbs 31:10, 25-31

You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Psalm 30:11-12