Phyllis Wentworth-Handley

Phyllis Claire Wentworth Handley, age 83 of Bankston, AL and formerly of Seymour, passed away at 8:37pm on November 8, 2016 at Our Hospice of Southern Indiana in Columbus. Born March 25, 1933 in Scipio, IN, she was the daughter of Phillip and Lydia (Leatherbury) McNeal. Phyllis married William Wentworth who passed in 1975. She then married James Handley A. Handley who passed away in 2016.

Phyllis was a member of the Shady Grove Baptist Church of Bankston, AL and former member of the First Church of God in Seymour where she taught Sunday School and Bible School. She was the president of the Fellowship of Church Women serving all faiths in Jackson County. Phyllis was voted Worthy Matron of Eastern Star of Brownstown in 1985. She was the founder of the “House of John 3:16” and served hundreds of people in the area with food, clothing, medications and employment. She worked in the Girl Scouts and PTA and was on the PTA Council. She was a caregiver for the sick and elderly and leaves many friends and loved ones behind.

Survivors include her children, Daniel W. Wentworth of Bankston, AL, Kathy (Robert) Luthe of Hayden, Debra (Chester "Sonny") Spurgeon of Seymour, Angela Slay of San Diego, CA and Kenny (Roberta) Wentworth of Hope. Phyllis also had five step-children, James Handley, Ann (Donnie) England, Donna Schlosser, Patsy (Bob Winch) Handley and Crystal Handley; one brother, Joe McNeal; step-sisters, Barbara (Paul) Wellington and Norma Irvine; she also leaves behind 53 grandchildren and numerous adopted children.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, husbands William and James; daughter, Shirley Shipley; and siblings, Ray McNeal, Earl McNeal, Lee McNeal, Hershel McNeal and Ralph McNeal.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Woodlawn Life Celebration Centre in Seymour. Friends can call at the funeral home from 11:00am until service time at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to the Anchor House or to the Alley Kitchen. Friends can sign the guestbook or share a favorite memory at www.WoodlawnFamilyFuneral.com