Phyllis Tate Bryars passed away peacefully at Oakwood — North Baldwin’s Center for Living on Friday May 31, 2013 after a lengthy illness.
She was born May 8, 1932 in Montgomery to the Rev. Dr. James Edward Tate and Irene Averitt Tate, who have preceded her in death.
Phyllis graduated in 1950 from Sidney Lanier High School. She then enrolled and graduated from Huntingdon College with a B.A. in music in 1954. While there she was editor of Huntress, the college newspaper.
She was named “Who’s Who” in American Universities and Colleges in 1953-1954.
In 1954, Phyllis began her private piano teaching career in Bay Minette, where she met her future husband. After she married, she continued teaching for 25 years in Overland Park, Kan.
She is survived by her husband of 57½ years, G.C. “Hardy” Bryars of Spanish Fort; daughters Lynn Davies (Ken) of Danville, Calif.; Dawn Douglass (Bryan) of Missoula, Mont.; Kristy Baak-Bryars (Marco) of The Hague, Netherlands; two granddaughters, five grandsons, one great-granddaughter, and numerous other loving relatives.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Leigh Bryars.
Phyllis was an active church member throughout her life. She was an Honorary Life Member of Presbyterian Women (USA). She loved gardening, bird watching and visiting her daughters and their families. She and Hardy enjoyed many years of golfing throughout the country.
The family wishes to thank all of the staff and caregivers at Oakwood for their devoted support and loving care for Mrs. Bryars during her more than two years there.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, June 3, 2012, at 11 a.m., at Bay Minette United Methodist Church, with the Rev Dr. Larry Bryars officiating. Visitation and reception will immediately follow in the fellowship hall. Private interment will be at Latham Methodist Cemetery, Latham, Ala.
In lieu of flowers , donations may be made to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018, or General Fund, Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Fairhope.
