Phyllis graduated from Puyallup High School in 1950. She then started her journey as a proud University of Washington Husky and active member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Phyllis thrived at UW, majoring in art and education, and meeting life-long friends. She was set up on a blind date with a nice boy from Bellingham, Erling Johnson, who played football for the Huskies.
Thus began a 59 year relationship centered on family, fun, and football! Phyllis and Erling were married on July 10, 1954. They welcomed Darrell in December, 1956, Keith in September 1958, and Warren in January 1963. They settled into a beautiful home in northeast Seattle and enjoyed a life filled with sports, entertaining, LOTS of DIY construction projects, laughter, and love. Phyllis found time among her busy life to continue to paint and sing, her favorite activities. Once the boys were grown, she became a certified gemologist and started a successful independent jewelry business, She brought her artist’s eye and innate sense of style to hundreds of beautiful jewelry pieces.
In 1995, Phyllis and Erling finished construction on a beach house in La Conner at Snee-oosh Beach. A new era began with many Thanksgiving and Fourth of July Celebrations at Grandma’s Snee-oosh house.
Phyllis enjoyed many years of singing with the Rain City Women’s Chorus and in the Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church choir. Singing brought her so much joy and community!
Phyllis is preceded in death by loving husband, Erling, and sister Helen Marie Erickson Harris. Phyllis is survived by her three sons and their families: Darrell, JoAnn, Diana (Mike), and Eric; Keith, Cindy, Kenny (Lauren) and Michael (Kaitie); Warren, Maureen, Andy (Kristin) and Peter (Meredith) as well as nephew Eric Clayton (Victoria).
The family would like to convey our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cogir Memory Care of Northgate who cared for Phyllis during the last four years with dignity, respect, and love.
A memorial service will be held at 11am on July 15, 2024 at Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Phyllis’ name to the UW Class of 1954 Endowed Scholarship Fund https://online.gifts.washington.edu/secure/
or the Pheopara Alliance (www.pheopara.org)
Please visit Erling’s tribute page here:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/carl-johnson-obituary?id=29737986
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