Phyllis Dianna (Johnson) Salge, 66, went HOME on Oct 23, 2025, in Brownwood, TX. She was surrounded by many that loved and cared for her in her last days and at passing.
Phyllis was a traveler. She was born in Siloam Springs, AR, to John and Bettie Johnson. The first of 4 children. John was in the Army and traveled around the world, bringing the family when appropriate. She did not stay in the same school for more than 1 year, she said, except for when they went to New Jersey during her high school years, then off to another for her senior year, in another country. She has visited many counties, states, and cities. There’s even this place, Tunica, that she had stories from. But ultimately ended up calling Brownwood home for the last 10 years. She loved cruises and stated her sister was the best cruise partner you could have.
Phyllis was a traveler. She was born in Siloam Springs, AR, to John and Bettie Johnson. The first of 4 children. John was in the Army and traveled around the world, bringing the family when appropriate. She did not stay in the same school for more than 1 year, she said, except for when they went to New Jersey during her high school years, then off to another for her senior year, in another country. She has visited many counties, states, and cities. There’s even this place, Tunica, that she had stories from. But ultimately ended up calling Brownwood home for the last 10 years. She loved cruises and stated her sister was the best cruise partner you could have.
Phyllis was more than a daughter, a wife, a mom, a grandmother, a friend, a caretaker, a chauffeur/ taxi. She was a fireball, a pistol, a creative genius, a family historian, a comedian, a lover of food and life! Phyllis was quick-witted and could pop up with a quip at a second’s notice. You would be in the middle of a conversation, and somehow it would invoke a song, which she would jump right into, singing. She was passionate, and when she made her mind up there was no changing it. She would drive just to get lost, and sometimes that was not hard. There are stories about that, such as Jollyville (name of a subdivision and a street), and apparently, she wasn’t very Jolly. Whether she was in the county or the light pollution in the bigger cities, she would sit outside and listen to the night noises or music and take it all in under the stars. And Shoes… Did you ever see her wear shoes, actual closed-toed shoes? If you did, I hope you took a picture, as she rarely had anything on. If she did, it would have been flip-flops, slides, or sandals.
She was an amazing artist and crafter. She would say she was not, but anyone who saw her work knows better. From crochet to woodworking. From scrapbooks to mums. From papier mache to sewing. She could take tree twigs and make a bed for a Barbie. Take papier mache and make a Dragon. She crafted many doll clothes from yarn, thread, or material. She would crochet quilts and novelties. She could scrapbook or make cards unique with quirks and slides and pulls that you are still wondering how she did it. She could make whole room settings using things like a Sonic styrofoam cup, parts of ink pens, the sleeves of the coffee cups, and paper and ink. Mum making in Texas is a “Thing,” and let me tell you some of the things she came up with. Such as, making the Specialty ribbons or the drawing Euphonium out of paper, color pens, and glossy glue for the Mum face itself. She made pumpkin houses and alien masks with papier mache. The majority of her craft was without a pattern, just an idea or a challenge from a grandchild or adult children. She would not sell her creations as she did not want a “job”. She wanted to enjoy the task and challenge of creating something.
At her heart, she was a caregiver, and she took care of everyone. She raised her daughters, which was not an easy feat with 3 girls who were all interested in different things. She helped with her grandchildren, and she spent countless hours on the roads running all over the place, from schools and soccer games to dance recitals and marching band competitions. She loved every bit of it. Then she moved on to her parents, first her mom and then her dad. The road traveling didn’t stop; she just got to do longer distances as she traveled the country and some of the world. It was said she was really good at taking care of people, as Grandpa lived 4 years in Hospice care. But it was her ultimate calling to take care of her family. When it was Grandpa’s time to go, she became ill and had put up a GREAT fight with NO complaints throughout her treatments or regimes. She mentioned in her last days she was ready to go HOME; she wanted to see her parents and the ones that left before her. She was not scared as she knew where she was going. It was an honor to be loved and cared for by her.
At her heart, she was a caregiver, and she took care of everyone. She raised her daughters, which was not an easy feat with 3 girls who were all interested in different things. She helped with her grandchildren, and she spent countless hours on the roads running all over the place, from schools and soccer games to dance recitals and marching band competitions. She loved every bit of it. Then she moved on to her parents, first her mom and then her dad. The road traveling didn’t stop; she just got to do longer distances as she traveled the country and some of the world. It was said she was really good at taking care of people, as Grandpa lived 4 years in Hospice care. But it was her ultimate calling to take care of her family. When it was Grandpa’s time to go, she became ill and had put up a GREAT fight with NO complaints throughout her treatments or regimes. She mentioned in her last days she was ready to go HOME; she wanted to see her parents and the ones that left before her. She was not scared as she knew where she was going. It was an honor to be loved and cared for by her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Bettie Johnson. Her youngest brother, Michael Johnson. 2 Brother-in-laws, Larry Baugh and Joe Salge. 2 Sister-in-laws, Teresa Harris and Donna Salge. Grandson Jonathon Willy. And many aunts, uncles, cousins, and really close friends that were like family.
She leaves behind her husband, Michael Salge. Her 3 daughters, Shannon Willy (Mark Willy), Susan Finn (Shannon Finn), Jamie Darling. 2 Stepchildren, Michael Salge Jr, and Lisa Morando. 14 grandkids, Nicholas Willy, Callie Darling, Laney Darling, Mason Willy, Jordan Willy, Emily Renken, Jasmine Darling, Michael Darling, Malik Johnson, Jayde Morando, Doug Warren, Shantel Salge, Whitney Salge, Cameron Salge. 8 great grandchildren, Alexis Willy, Aliyah Warren, Leenah Warren, DJ Warren, Oliver Warren, Jace Salge, Rose Salge, David Salge. 2 Siblings, Peggy Pike (George Pike) and Mickey Johnson (Patty Johnson). 1 nephew, Brandon Johnson (Allison Johnson). A few Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Some that she considered Family and a whole lot of Friends.
Visitation will be on Saturday, November 1st, from 2-4 at the Brownwood Funeral Home, 2512 Belle Plain St, Brownwood, TX 76801. If you would like to join the family, we are going to have dinner at La Botana Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar (108 Early Blvd, Early, TX), one of her Favorite places. Each would be responsible for their own food and drinks, but would love to reminisce about all the great times you remember about her.
Visitation will be on Saturday, November 1st, from 2-4 at the Brownwood Funeral Home, 2512 Belle Plain St, Brownwood, TX 76801. If you would like to join the family, we are going to have dinner at La Botana Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar (108 Early Blvd, Early, TX), one of her Favorite places. Each would be responsible for their own food and drinks, but would love to reminisce about all the great times you remember about her.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownwoodfuneralhome.net.
