Phyllis Jane Sanders, 72 of Decatur, Texas passed away on January 19, 2024.
Phyllis was raised in Brownwood, Texas by Charles and Thelma Bruce. She was the fifth child of six children – Charles Bruce Jr., Bobbie (Bruce) Tabor, Jack Bruce, Mary Bruce, Phyllis (Bruce) Sanders and William “Dow” Bruce. Phyllis and her siblings were raised on a farm with cows, chickens, pigs and a large garden.
Phyllis graduated from Howard Payne University and began her teaching career in the Brownwood Independent School district. She took a break from teaching to pursue a successful career in insurance sales. She enjoyed the insurance, but returned to teaching and ultimately retired from Lytle Independent School District.
Phyllis was blessed with one son, Jason, and one grandson, Carter. While she loved her son and her daughter-in-law; Carter was the apple of her eye. Her house is decorated with photos of him throughout his years and she often had a story to tell or a memory to share. On Christmas morning, her family could expect a gift of a guaranteed size and shape gifted from Phyllis with the tag reading “From Santa”. This gift was a box of Life Savers in the Holiday package. She would remind the recipient that she started giving the LifeSavers to Jason when he was a young child and continued every year. She was very proud of the tradition and the family she had.
While growing up, Phyllis developed a strong work ethic and a love for being outdoors. As Phyllis made different houses her home throughout her life, you could always be certain that it would be graced with a beautiful yard, flowers and groomed trees. Phyllis was always willing to step in and help with animal needs for family or neighbors. She loved all animals and enjoyed spending time with her Granddonkey, Gus, and Grandhorse, Friday.
Phyllis had a gift for cooking. Her chocolate chip cookies, cake and fudge were legendary. In the years that she lived in Lytle and visited Decatur, she would arrive with everyone’s favorite treats from cookies to fudge and much more. Baseball Tournaments and movie nights were always sweeter when Phyllis arrived.
Phyllis is survived by her son, Jason (Jenn) Sanders and grandson, Carter Sanders.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Thelma Bruce, brothers Charlie Bruce, Jr., and Jack Bruce. Sisters Bobbie (Bruce) Tabor and Mary Louise Bruce. Phyllis’ dog Sydney, that she loved dearly and counted as a family member, passed away a few months ago at the age of 18 years old.
Phyllis will be remembered for her love of her family, great cooking and hard work.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 27th at 11:00am.
If desired, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Decatur and the Wise County Animal Shelter.
