Phyllis Stanfill Sanders

Phyllis Stanfill Sanders, known as ‘Phyl’ to everyone who knew her, completed her journey in this life after her battle with cancer on July 23, 2022 at the age of 82. She was preceded in death by her parents Dr. George and Ruby Stanfill. Phyl was a lifelong Memphian.

She loved her hometown and was ever vigilant in contacting city officials with improvement suggestions or praise throughout her life. She attended Messick High School, and Memphis State University where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity. Phyl was a ‘true blue’ Memphis Tiger and, in fact, left this earth in her requested Tiger gear - complete with a blue and grey pompon. Phyl was extremely proud that former Tiger basketball coach Josh Pastner contacted her personally several times acknowledging her as a prize Tiger fan. Phyl became a Highland 100 football booster when the club was first chartered, though she has been unable to personally attend any games for many years. She never missed a radio or television broadcast whenever her beloved basketball or football Tigers were playing.

An avid gardener, Phyl’s lawn has always been a show place of beautiful flowers. She was very generous with sharing seeds, cuttings, plants and advice for their care. Many friends’ yards have been enriched as a result of her gifts.

Family always came first in her life. She is survived by her adored daughter, Stephanie Tatum, and her two granddaughters, Alex and Sophie Tatum. These three women “were her life” and she treasured every moment spent with any of them.

Phyl is also survived by her sister Linda Stanfill Davis who was married to the late Dr. Ted Davis. Phyl loved their grandchildren Conor, Colin, Ryan, Caitlin, and Quinn as her own.

Phyl leaves special love and thanks to her doctors: Dr. Robert Kraus, Dr. Gordon Kraus, Dr. Barry Boston and Dr. Kathleen Spires. She also sends the same to her special friends: Michael Meeks, Lee White and Shelley and David Wang.

An inherent beach lover since childhood family vacations, Phyl enjoyed annual ‘girls only’ beach trips with her daughter, her sister and her granddaughters for many years. These trips became even more special to her as her illness waxed and waned. As per her request, Phyl’s ashes will be scattered by her family at their favorite beach of over fifty years in lieu of a formal service held in Memphis.

As no one who knew her would be surprised, Phyl made all the arrangements as to what she wanted to occur after her death and even wrote this obituary.

Any donations or memorials in her name are requested to be sent to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.