It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Phylis Meadows Major, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and disciple of Christ. She entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on November 29, 2024.
Born on January 4, 1949, in Moultrie, Georgia, Phylis was the daughter of the late Idus W. (Webb) Meadows and Willie Mae Meadows. She grew up in Doerun, Georgia, where she attended elementary school and excelled academically and athletically at Doerun High School. As a standout member of the women’s basketball team, she was one of the leading scorers in the 1967 Georgia State High School Basketball Tournament.
Phylis’s dedication to education was evident from a young age. With the encouragement and support of her high school teacher, Ms. Mabel Bell, Phylis earned a scholarship to attend Norman Junior College, where she served as Student Government President. She continued her education at Georgia Southern University and later Valdosta State University, earning her degree in Education. She also obtained a Master’s degree from West Georgia College, solidifying her commitment to teaching and learning.
A passionate and dedicated educator, Phylis taught for 38 ½ years across Georgia and internationally, leaving a lasting impact on countless students. Her teaching career began in Hogansville, Georgia, and she then moved to Cedartown, Georgia, teaching at Purks Elementary and Cherokee Elementary schools.
In 1985, Phylis and her family moved overseas, where she and her husband taught in four different countries. They returned to the United States in 2003, settling in Lake Arrowhead, where Phylis continued teaching at Sixes Elementary and Freedom Middle School until her retirement in 2009.
In 1970, Phylis married the love of her life, Stephen J. Major, whom she met while attending Norman Junior College. Together, they shared a beautiful 54-year journey filled with love, faith, and adventure. They were blessed with two children, Monte and Lindsay, and six cherished grandchildren: Logan Major, Asa Major, Remington Major, Jaden Perry, Dakota Perry, and Camden Perry.
Phylis was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Phillip Meadows; her sister-in-law, Joyce Wittchen; and her niece, Debra Chamberlain. She is survived by her beloved husband, Stephen; her children, Monte (Rosanne) Major and Lindsay (Cameron) Perry; her grandchildren; her brother, Willie J. Meadows (Jackie); her nieces and nephews: Rene Stephenson, Leigh Nichelson, Todd (Stephanie) Meadows, and Orville Wittchen; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Phylis served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher and disciple of the Lord, sharing her faith and love of God in churches both in the United States and abroad. Upon moving back to the US, she made Lake Arrowhead Church her home. She served there in leadership positions and was very active with the praise team and Sister Circle Women’s Ministry. She also enjoyed crocheting with the Shepherd’s Hook Ministry.
Phylis’s legacy of love, kindness, and service to others will forever be remembered and cherished by her family, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her incredible journey.
Services:
Details regarding the celebration of Phylis’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Lake Arrowhead Church (https://lachurch.org/give) or Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/).
The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs.Phylis Meadows Major.
