Obituary

Phyllis Walters grew up in a large family of 11, in a house that was little on space, but never short on love. She grew up having that same zest for life she always had who loved to sing with her sisters, dance, and finding new challenges to embrace. Phyllis was such a wonderful mother to three beautiful children, and was known by her 15 grand and great-grandkids as “Mimi.” Her entire world was centered around this family, as she taught them the true meaning of unconditional love and kindness. Phyllis found herself the happiest being surrounded by all her family and never missed a reunion. As a strong Christian woman, she was warm, welcoming and incredibly non-judgmental. Phyllis had a voice of Angels, as Arlan would say, “She sang Patsy Cline, better than Patsy Cline!” She had a passion for the melody and singing the Gospel. In fact, the anointing in her powerful voice alone, brought so many lives to Christ. Phyllis was known by all for her incredible love of food, especially her Meatloaf, Banana Pudding and Pineapple Upside Down Cake. She didn’t care so much for the cleaning part, for a messy kitchen is a happy one! In 2006, Phyllis retired after 26 years of being a Registered Nurse where her and Arlan enjoyed their newfound time fishing, traveling and singing the Gospel to any and every church, revival, or group that requested her. She also was able to display her extremely competitive skills when it came to a friendly game of Phase 10 or Back-Alley Bridge! This was also a special time for her to spend spoiling her grandkids and being utterly adored by them as well! Above all, Phyllis always leaned on the Lord as her Rock for strength and serenity. This profound faith radiated off of her, as she certainly wasn’t shy when it came to spreading God’s word and her love for Jesus Christ. Phyllis will be severely missed by everyone who knew and loved her and, no doubt, she left a very special place in all of our hearts. She is survived by; her loving husband, Arlan of more than 17 years; her daughter, Janet Morris & husband Pat of OKC; son, Michael Lawrence of OKC; step-daughter, Tammy Roberts & husband, Mark of Claremore, OK; Step-son Jeff Walters of Claremore, OK; Granddaughters, Jaime Olguin & husband Edell of Moore, OK, Jennifer Smith & husband Lance of Minneapolis, MN, Ashley Epperson & Kyle Wittman of OKC, OK, Kayla Griffin of Bakersfield, CA; Grandson, John Griffin of Bakersfield, CA; Step-Grandchildren, Tiffany Meeker, Taylor Roberts, Tanner Roberts; Great-Grandchildren, Jaicee Olguin, Jill Olguin, Harper Leigh Wittman; and 4 Step-Great-Grandchildren; Sisters, Brenda Bradley, Joann Carr, Carolyn Rickner, Ima Crum, Trisha Crum, Sandra Wiggins; brothers, A.R. Washington, Buddy Sourjohn, Dewain Sourjohn; and a host of family and friends. She is preceded in death by; her son, Johnnie Lawrence; Mother, Pauline Sourjohn; Mama, Ola Sourjohn; Father, Floyd “Babe” Sourjohn; Daddy, Dawes “Dutch” Sourjohn; brothers, Billy Washington and Stanley “Teen” Washington. A Homegoing Celebration Service will be held 10:00 AM, January 23, 2013 at First Assembly in Sand Springs, OK. A Graveside service will be held following the service at 2:30 PM at South Bethel Cemetery, Braggs, Oklahoma. Condolences may be left on this page.