Obituaries

Early morning on December 30th, Phyllis passed away at her home in Sherman. Phyllis was 94 years old. Phyllis was born on September 20, 1926 in Batavia, New York to Mildred (Lewis) and James Uphill. She was one of 4 girls. She graduated Batavia High School in 1942 at the age of 16 years. She continued her education and gained her undergraduate degree in Language Studies (German) from University of Buffalo, New York in ‘47; and later her Masters in Student Administration and Counseling from Cornell in ‘55. During that time, she worked a variety of professions including school teacher in LeRoy, New York, Spanish Translator for Eastman Kodak, and Assistant Dean & Registrar for Chatham College in Pittsburg PA. While pursuing an early career, Phyllis began a relationship with a young Canadian pianist, William Armstrong, who was completing his Doctorate in Music at Eastman School of Music. She married William (Bill) Armstrong on August 6, 1957 in Rochester, New York. After marriage, the two northerners arrived in Sherman, Texas on Labor Day weekend in 101o heat. Both began careers at Austin College; Phyllis as assistant to the college president. They started a family immediately and raised 5 children during their 43 years of marriage. Surviving Phyllis are her five children: Donna Lucille (Armstrong) Harlow, Keith Hamilton Armstrong with wife Janet (Smith) Armstrong, Hope Elizabeth (Armstrong) Camper, Bruce William Armstrong with wife Melody (Montgomery) Armstrong and Catherine Anne Armstrong with partner Steve Garrison. Grandchildren include: Erin & Cal Tooley with great grandchild Cora, Will & Jane Armstrong, Paige & Luke Arrants, Benjamin Camper, Rosemary Camper, Kelly Roberts, Jesse Richard, Genny & Fabricio Cavero Farfan, and Grace Garrison. Phyllis continued her career as school counselor for Sherman Independent School District where she retired, and then spent several more years at Tom Bean elementary as a counselor. She always made sure she knew the hundreds of kids under her supervision by name and talked to each of them frequently. From her parent’s farm in Batavia, New York; to the family farm in Luella, TX; Phyllis enjoyed family life on the farm and resourcefully met all challenges. Vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruits; rabbits, chickens, goats and cows all came to rely on her firm, compassionate hands and her ability to work wonders with nature. Phyllis had a lifetime interest in gardening and continued to love growing throughout her life. She very capably combined an accomplished career with resourceful homesteading and enjoyed the fruits of her labors. Her children send her on with love to join their dad who passed away in 2000. Due to Covid restrictions, the family plans to hold a memorial at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Dannel Funeral Home. The family kindly suggests in lieu of flowers, consider donating to Covenant Presbyterian Church/Habitat for Humanity in memory of Phyllis Armstrong.