Phyllis Jane Spencer Honeycutt, 91, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025, with her daughter by her side. Phyllis was born in Mooresville, N.C., on October 26, 1933, to the late James and Alma Spencer. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Gene Honeycutt, and her brother, Jim Spencer (Cheryl), of Mooresville. Phyllis leaves behind her only child, Gena Honeycutt Taylor (Rob), and her two adoring granddaughters, Morgan and Madison; along with many special extended family members.

Phyllis grew up in Mooresville where her parents ran the City Café on Main Street. She attended South School and later Mooresville High School, where she was Chief Cheerleader. She attended St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Mooresville. She attended Newberry College in Newberry, S.C., where she studied business. She left Newberry to marry her lifelong love, Gene, on December 27, 1953, after Gene returned from the Army. Together, they built a life in Troutman, where Phyllis began a long and successful career with Sears in Mooresville, working as a salesperson for nearly 40 years. Known affectionately as the “Sears Lady,” she sold thousands of tools and appliances and became a beloved figure in the community.

In 1957, Phyllis and Gene moved to Troutman, where they lived in the same home on Era Street for 62 years. They became active members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Troutman, and became very involved in church life. She taught and attended Sunday School. She was an adviser for the Luther League with Gene. She served on the church council for many terms and was named the Vice President during her tenure. Phyllis was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Association, served as its President, and led her women’s circle groups for decades. She was a member of the Senior Choir for Holy Trinity for over 60 years and served on the Worship and Music Committee. She was famous at Holy Trinity for being a new member recruiter and made it her mission to greet every church guest and convince them to attend Holy Trinity and become “a good Lutheran.”

Beyond her work in the church, Phyllis was deeply involved in her community. She was a longtime member of the Junior Women’s Club (serving as its President), Lion’s Club, American Legion, and the Order of the Eastern Star in Troutman. She served as the Worthy Matron for the Eastern Star for two different terms. She loved all of her organizations and was instrumental in raising money throughout Mooresville, Statesville, and Troutman for many different charities and clubs.

Phyllis and Gene welcomed their only child, a daughter, Gena, in December of 1971. Gena was her pride and joy. They welcomed “their son” into the family when Gena married Rob, who she loved as her own. Her heart grew even fuller with the birth of her granddaughters, Morgan and Madison, whom she adored. Phyllis cherished family trips and loved cooking Sunday dinners for her loved ones.

Phyllis retired and began a second career working part time for over 25 years at the Troutman Funeral Home, where she became a familiar and comforting face for grieving families. She was known for her warmth, kindness, and ability to bring comfort to those in need. Many people remember her as the face of the funeral home where she never knew a stranger who walked in the door. After retiring from the funeral home at age 85, Phyllis and Gene moved to Mocksville to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. She was lovingly cared for by her family and an extended family of caregivers as she battled dementia.

Phyllis was well known in her community for “never having met a stranger.” She was described with many different adjectives, including sassy, feisty, funny, kind, loving, a comedian, one of a kind. She was often called wonderful and gracious and was the epitome of a Southern lady. She always had a smile for everyone and brought joy to those around her.

A funeral service celebrating Phyllis’ life will be held on Sunday, March 30, at 2 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 225 Morgan Street in Troutman. Pastor Tom Corbell and Rev. Diane Bowker will officiate, with dear friend Curtis Fortner speaking. The family will greet friends at the church following the service. Burial will follow at St. Michaels Cemetery, 618 South Main Street, in Troutman.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Trellis Hospice Davie Team and the caregivers at Somerset Court of Mocksville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, PO Box 308, Troutman, NC 28166.

Phyllis will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Honeycutt family.