Phyllis Beckner

Phyllis Beckner, 91, of Kingsport, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Born in Bakersville, N.C., she moved to the Kingsport area in 1946. An avid student of the Bible, Phyllis was a long time member and Sunday School teacher at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Mars Hill College and ETSU and worked at Kingsport Press before entering the teaching field. Phyllis taught in the Sullivan County School System at Kingsley and Miller Perry Elementary for 35 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude R. Beckner; parents, Kelly and Inez McNeil; brothers, Glen McNeill, Scott McNeill; and niece, Barbara Christianson.

Phyllis is survived by her sister, Doris Young Shelton; sons, John and wife Kathy, and Tom and wife Michele; grandchildren, Lisa Odum and husband Kojac, Alyson Blevins and husband Jim, Amanda Beckner, and Emma Beckner; great-grandchildren, Katie Blevins and Ava Blevins; nephew, Doug Young; niece, Susie Carpenter; several great nieces and nephews; and faithful companion, Lance.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. with Dr. Greg Burton and Chaplain Ryan Wagoner officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 16, 2018, at East Tennessee Cemetery.

Special thanks to her loving caregivers, Lynn Chandler, Alice Perry, Linda Williams, Misty McFarland, and Juanita Biorch.

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