Phyllis Lorene Archer Pearson Blakley

Fall Branch – Phyllis Lorene Archer Pearson Blakley, 92, died peacefully at her home in Fall Branch, TN on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. She was born on June 17, 1933, to John and Edith Archer.

Phyllis had lived in Fall Branch all her life and graduated from Fall Branch School. There she was involved in sports, mostly basketball, where she was given the nickname “Shorty” since she was only 5 feet tall, but that didn’t stop her from scoring. She later went on to play softball for Tennessee Eastman’s Softball Team as catcher.

Eventually, Phyllis and Bob Blakley got married in 2008. They were the perfect couple and still were until Phyllis’ passing. Bob loved her very much.

Phyllis loved her flower gardens. Every year she looked forward to planting her various combinations of flowers. Her favorites were irises and roses. She also loved watching the birds congregate in her weeping cherry tree eating from the many bird feeders that were hanging there. She could tell you what each bird was called. This was very peaceful for her.

Phyllis attended First Baptist Church Fall Branch until her illness and had to stop going. She was sad about this as she loved her church and church friends. First and foremost, she loved the Lord. Singing was her favorite thing to do. She loved singing in the choir.

After her children were grown, Phyllis got a job working at Parks Belk in Kingsport, TN. She was the supervisor over the Women’s Intimate Apparel and Lingerie Department. She loved her job, co-workers, and meeting and helping the customers. She later retired from Parks Belk after several years of service.

Phyllis was blessed with five grandchildren: Heather, Abby, Courtney, Chelsea and Dylan. She’d always wanted to be a grandmother, and they were the highlight of her life. She was a wonderful grandmother, and they loved her tremendously.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, John and Edith Archer; Leroy Pearson (father of her children); sisters, Carolyn (Lynn) Lewark and Rita McCrary; and granddaughters, Heather Smith and Abby Pearson.

She is survived by husband, Bob Blakley; son, Gary (Carolyn) Pearson; daughters, Teresa Pearson, and Lisa Jones; special brother-in-law, O.C. McCrary, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Mary (Bill) Nash, and Linda Carter; stepsister, Barbara Frye; and several special nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Fall Branch. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm with Pastor Mark Newman officiating. The graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers that were involved in taking care of Phyllis.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to First Baptist Church Fall Branch, P.O. Box 88, Fall Branch, TN 37656.