Mrs. Phyllis L. Ethern

Phyllis L. Ethern passed away at home Saturday, Ma31, 2025. Phyllis Lorraine Jackson was born December 26, 1949, in Richmond, Virginia to the proud parents of Phillip and Zelda Jackson. Later to this union they welcomed to the Jackson family, Phyllis’ younger sister, Janice Jackson. The family relocated Tappahannock, Virgina, where Phyllis began her formal education. Eager to learn, she graduated from High School in 1968. To continue her higher level of learning and further her education she was awarded a Martin Luther King Academic Achievement Scholarship. Her major field of study was Elementary Education; fulfilling her career goal she was enthusiastic and had a passion for teaching children. She believed “all children could learn”. Received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education in 1972. She was excited about impacting the life of her students, so she immediately started teaching. She began molding the life of children first in the state of Iowa, then Virginia, and then Kansas City, Missouri. Being a devoted educator, she was well prepared with her lesson planning and design equipping her to be successful for her students to receive academic excellency, and proficiency in learning. To further and enhance her teaching abilities, she pursued and earned a Master of Art Degree from Central University of Missouri. She met the love of her life, James Ethern and was married on August 18, 1974. They were happily engaged in holy matrimony for 51 years. They were indeed “inseparable”. Phyllis confessed her belief in Christ and was baptized, March 6, 1996, at Blue Ridge Church of Christ. Jimmy as the head of the household then obeyed the scripture Joshua 24:15 and too united with Blue Ridge Church of Christ and was baptized on Dec. 17, 2000. Together they worship and offered edification and praise to their God. Following in the footsteps of their parents, they were taught the importances of family ties and united. The Ethern’s welcomed and open their home to Andria, a cousin as they provided a nurturing home environment for her. In the Ethern house, this became Andria’s home. The Ethers’ lovingly provided Andrea with parental love, guidance, support, and mentoring, as she was encouraged to “Be the best” that she could achieve in life. Proverbs 22:6 was a scripture they applied as they offered words of wisdom and guidance to Andria’s in the teaching, upbringing and rearing during her childhood years. The proudest moment was when she graduated from Ruskin High School with honors in 1978. Today, Andria is recognized as an extension of their family “a special God-sent daughter”, who they are so proud of her life’s accomplishment. More than anything, Andria continuously gives back to them in love, support and respect. Phyllis’ hobby was traveling she was blessed to visit 44 states, Mexico, Canada, Virgin Islands and Bahamas. She was the life of a party as when she entered the room, her smile and laughter was welcomed by all. Those who preceded her in death will welcome her in the heavenly gates, mother, father, sister, mother and father in-law. Phyllis leaves to cherish her memories her devoted husband, Jimmy; sister-in-law, Stella Ethern; daughter, Andria Childs (Walter); many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her Christian family, Blue Ridge Church of God, friends, and neighbors. The life Phyllis lived will be missed and cherished by many. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday June 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Blue Ridge Church of Christ 9603 Blue Ridge Blvd. 64134. Interment: Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation: 12-1:00 p.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com

Mrs. Phyllis L. Ethern

December 26, 1949 - May 31, 2025