Phyllis Fife

Services for Mrs. Phyllis Odom Fife will be held at First United Methodist Church in Cleburne on Thursday, August 31, 2023. Visitation will begin at 9:30 A.M. with the Memorial Service immediately following at 11:00 A.M.

Mrs. Fife went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 18, 2023 in Cleburne Texas. Phyllis was born on August 12, 1943 in Carlsbad, N.M. to J.C. and Nancy (Vines) Odom. Phyllis’ family later moved to Lubbock, TX where she met and married the love of her life, Jimmy Don Fife, on November 23, 1962. These two had the privilege of sharing 60 beautiful loving years together before her passing just after her 80th birthday. Theirs was a love like no other and she adored this man simply known as “Dad” or “Papa”. Phyllis was an esteemed mortgage professional who retired from finance to help with the books in the family business, FMC Commercial Drywall until God called her to be a vessel of his word and she began spreading her faith in whatever platform she could; including over 8 years volunteered at Operation Blessing, being a C.A.S.A advocate, Leading Epiphany Prison ministries, Lay Director and sponsoring Ladies Emmaus walks as well as her devotion to her faith groups at First United Methodist Church in Cleburne, Texas. But for Phyllis, her family was the most important treasure in her life, and she was 100% devoted to being the best mother she could by creating such unforgettable loving memories with her children as they grew up. Her love was shown by her devotion as a Girl Scout Leader, Honored PTA President, Dynamic Soccer Coach, and was referred to as the beloved “Cookie Queen” by all the kids in the neighborhood. She also had a sassy sporty streak and she loved to show off her daring snow skiing skills on the many, many family ski trips and so enjoyed being an expert slalom water-skier with her love Jimmy at the wheel of his ski boat at the family lake house at Lake Texoma. Then, God blessed her greatly. She went from being “Phyllis” or “Mom” to now being the one and only “MEMA”. Each of these beautiful and unique grandchildren have the most amazing special memories of her sense of adventure and how she absolutely lived life to the fullest. It is incredibly hard to capture her spirit in black and white but without a doubt, she truly touched the hearts of everyone she encountered, which will carry on long after her passing. Her loss leaves a huge hole in our hearts but knowing her undeniable devotion to God gives us comfort in her passing. Until we meet again. We love you to the Moon and Back! We will miss you, Mema!

Mrs. Fife is survived by her husband, Jimmy Fife of Cleburne; daughter, Shana Riggs and husband, Ron Posey of Littleton, Colorado; daughter, Sharla Shadix and husband, John of Athens; son, Chad Fife and wife, Becca of Mansfield; grandchildren, Chase Riggs, Emma Riggs, Eli Riggs, Deidra Statler, John Shadix III, Josh Shadix, Ryley Shadix, Tatum Fife, and Cade Fife.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to: First United Methodist Church in Phyllis’ name.

First United Methodist Church
1300 W. Westhill Drive
Cleburne, TX 76033