Phyllis Lee Beard, 75, of Richmond, Virginia, was called Home on Friday, August 5, 2023.

She was born on December 3, 1947 in Chevy Chase, Maryland to Bert and Elsie H. Blanton. She spent most of her adult life working for the federal government, finally retiring in 2017. In her free time, she loved working with her hands. She was a gifted seamstress and loved to knit
and crochet. But her greatest joy in life was being a mother. Phyllis was a loving and devoted mother, sister and friend. She was slow to anger, quick to forgive, and always the first to apologize. She could make friends anywhere, and often did. Her smile was infectious, and she went out of her way to make everyone around her feel special, welcome and seen. Phyllis leaves behind a legacy of love and light and goodness that is already so missed. Her absence is felt by all who knew her, but especially her family. She was so loved.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Caitlyn Beard of Brunswick, GA, her brother, Bert Hampton Blanton Jr. and wife Suellen Blanton of Blacksburg, VA, and her sisters Judith Blanton Dreherand husband Doug Dreher of Brunswick, GA, and Elsie Faye Andy and husband Don Andy of Prince George, VA, as well as two nephews, five great-nieces and nephews, many first and second cousins, her Hanover Christian Church family, and several sons and daughters-in-love. She was preceded in death by her parents and youngest brother, Robert William Blanton.

A celebration of life will be held at the Jekyll Island pavilion on Sunday, September 3rd at10:30AM. There will be a brief service, followed by luncheon reception and day of swimming for anyone who would like to join us. Informal wear. Shorts and swimsuits preferred.