Phyllis A. Southerly

Phyllis Ann (Gordon) Southerly, 72, of Potterville, went to be with her Lord on December 13, 2018.  She was born in Kenton, Ohio on December 27, 1945 to Mary Edna (Hesser) and Charles Fredrick Gordon. Phyllis was blessed to have her family, as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends while growing up. A great-aunt led a 4-H club where Phyllis honed her homemaking skills learned from her mother.  Her father loved to travel, so they travelled on a budget, camping and visiting family and friends across the country.

After graduating from Kenton High School in 1963, Phyllis married her high school sweetheart, Terry Dean Southerly, on September 21, 1963. They moved to Lansing upon his discharge from the Army in 1964. Starting their family and making a home occupied Phyllis until she began working for the State of Michigan at the age of 30. Beginning as an entry-level clerk, she retired as a unit supervisor while continuing to be a wife and mother.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 55 years, Terry; sons, Troy (Shannon Combs) Dean and Jay Dion; grandchildren, Turner Southerly, Madison Southerly, Isabelle Robinson and her mother Laurie Robinson; sister, Nancy (Michael) Livingston; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

She was preceded in death by brother, David E. Gordon.

Burial and graveside services will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a future date. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project. 

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Phyllis on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.