Phyllis (Pfancuff) Handley, 91, of Jackson, Ohio, passed away on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 at Holzer Assisted Living. She was born April 30, 1927, in Jackson, Ohio to the late Ben and Minnie Pfancuff.
In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her brothers, William Pfancuff and George Pfancuff. She was married to the late Jack Handley for 56 years, and he preceded her in death in 2011.
She is survived by her nephews, William (Marie) Pfancuff and Radford (Josephine) Pfancuff; nieces, Sally (Chuck) Schreiber, Sue (Paul) DeMoss; her sister in Christ, Gerry Moore, as well as many other great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.
Phyllis was a 1945 graduate of Jackson High School. She began her professional career at Stiffler’s Department Store, after which she began her legendary 30-plus years as Jackson County Deputy Recorder. After retirement, she continued to work with Jackson County land records for Attorney Barry Smith and others.
Phyllis gave community service through leadership roles ranging from serving as chaperone for high school dances to the community Upward Sports Program and providing support to the rebirth of the Markay Theater. For her dedicated half century of service to the Jackson City Library Board, Phyllis received the Meritorious Service Award, presented by the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. Phyllis was the driving force in securing the present library building and was the first-ever emeritus member of the library board. Additionally, Phyllis was named the Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year and served as the Grand Marshal for the Jackson County Apple Festival. In May of 2018, she was inducted into the Jackson City School’s Hall of Honor.
Phyllis was a lifelong member at the First Baptist Church of Jackson where her love of the Lord served as a living testimony in all aspects of her life. She often said when you have Jesus in your life, He is all you need. She was given the honor of ringing the church’s historic bell at the beginning of its 175th Anniversary Celebration in July 2016.
Phyllis spent her last several years at Holzer Assisted Living where she continued to be a blessing to all her new friends and to the very dedicated staff who cared for her.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019 at the Fairmont Cemetery in Jackson, followed by a luncheon at the First Baptist Church. At her request, no public visitation hours will be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Jackson, Jackson City Library, or Jackson City Schools. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis and Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson.