Phyllis Ann Eastridge Milam

Born on December 21, 1935 in Hot Coal, West Virginia, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Terry Easley Gibson and Minneola Jones Gibson.

A loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Phyllis was known for her vivacious and congenial personality.

Phyllis graduated from Sophia High School as the salutatorian of the 1954 class and was the principal organizer of her class reunions.

Later, Phyllis served many years as an administrator for the Town of Sophia. She was also an entrepreneur, having founded and operated Carpet Mart of southern West Virginia with her late first husband, Orley E. Eastridge.

A faithful servant of Christ, Phyllis was a longstanding member of the Church of God, lastly Family Worship Center. Phyllis was involved in the music ministry as a pianist, soloist, and choir member. She also taught Sunday school, served as an usher and greeter, volunteered to assist those in need through “Fishes and Loaves” as well as other outreach ministries, and was active in the “Seniors Aglow” program.

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, with whom she raised her four children, Orley E. Eastridge; her second husband and devoted companion of the last 12 years, Archie J. Milam; her sisters, Mildred Crutchfield, Frances Louise Cook, Margaret Hughes, Macil Tankersley, and Catherine Riggs; her brother, Terry Easley Gibson, Jr.; and her beloved son- in-law, Dean Layne (“Deano”).

Those left to cherish her memory and to carry on her legacy include her daughters, Terra Lee “Sis” Shumate (Richard), Tammy Michelle Thornton (Phillip), and Stacy Ann Layne; her son James David Eastridge (Rebecca); grandchildren Amy Addison (Bobby), Jason Shumate (Wendi), Justin Thornton (Christina), Luke Shumate (Amy), Jacob Layne (Kristina), Taylor Eastridge, and Braylee Eastridge; great-grandchild, Cole Shumate; sisters Mary Thompson and Brenda Boyd; and a host of friends.

Friends may gather with the family at the Church of God Family Worship Center on Wednesday January 3, 2018 from 11-1 p.m. for visitation. A service to celebrate Phyllis’s life will be conducted by Rev. Gary Eskins at 1 p.m. followed by burial at Sunset Memorial Park.

The family expresses its sincere appreciation to the caregivers and friends who have provided love, hope, and support to Phyllis over the past several years.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, West Virginia Chapter at www.alz.org/wv/ or to the Church of God Family Worship Center.