Phyllis Jo Marietta Lewman was born in Clinton, Indiana, the daughter of William and Shirley Marietta. She grew up in Clinton with her brothers, David and Dennis. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary and graduated from Clinton High School in 1968. As a child, Phyllis loved slipping out her back door on Elm Street to stay over at her Grandma Marietta's, just across the alley.
Phyllis was active in school and participated on the Clinton High School dance team. After graduation, she attended Indiana State University and gained experience in a variety of job roles. She retired from South Vermillion Middle School in 2011. Everywhere she worked, Phyllis's kindness made everyone feel at home. She formed lifelong friendships with her coworkers, and all the SVMS students loved her.
On March 22, 1972, Phyllis married Jon Lewman at Beck Chapel on the Indiana University campus. Together, they traveled extensively, creating memories both in the United States and abroad. Their adventures began with their honeymoon at St. Pete Beach, Florida, and continued with many winter stays in St. Pete Beach after retirement. Over the decades, Phyllis and Jon enjoyed international travel and regularly visited Jon's parents, Richard and Dorothy Lewman, in Melbourne Beach, Florida.
Phyllis and Jon raised their two daughters, Britainy and Erin, in Dana, Indiana. Phyllis was a devoted and loving mother. She was a steady source of support for her daughters, helping them become strong women and, later, mothers themselves. Phyllis cherished her four grandchildren, and she was always quick to help children in her own backyard and beyond. She loved her community deeply and was a devoted member of Dana Community Bible Church and the Dana 49ers Club. Her church family and 49ers friends remember her for her unwavering service, always lending a helping hand whenever someone was in need. Phyllis was also known for sending thoughtful cards, just to show she cared, touching many lives with her kindness and generosity.
Phyllis is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jon; daughters, Britainy Sholl (Kevin) and Erin Riggs (Ross); grandchildren, Grant and Claire Sholl, and Judah and Whitney Riggs; her brothers, David (Rae) and Dennis (Lynn); and many nephews, nieces, great-nieces, one great-nephew, cousins, and many, many dear friends.
A service will be held at Dana Community Bible Church, 200 N. Maple St., Dana, on Saturday, July 12, at 1 p.m., with visitation prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation in Phyllis's memory to The Forsaken Children, P.O. box 381483, Germantown, TN 38183 or give online at https://www.theforsakenchildren.org/give.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Gooch Funeral Home, Rockville.
Online condolences may be shared at www.goochfuneralhome.com.
