Phyllis (Church) Lilly

phyllis lilly
Phyllis Lilly (Church) Phyllis went home to Heaven, peacefully at home, on November 9, 2018 at the age of 83. Phyllis was born in Gouverneur, New York. She lived many years on a dairy farm with her family in Evans Mills, New York. She is a 1956 graduate of the Roberts Wesleyan College School of Nursing. She married James Lilly on October 12, 1957 at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New York. She worked as a nursing instructor for over 55 years. She was a member of First Bible Baptist Church for over 45 years. Predeceased by parents, Elmer & Coralie Church. Survived by her husband, James Lilly & her children, Karen (Gregg) Carpenter, Kevin (Lanette) Lilly, Kim (Keith) Russell; grandchildren, Kendra (Peter) Steele, Ali Carpenter, Scott (Jennifer) Lilly, Meagan (Nathan) Rhodes, Joshua Lilly, Cayla (Kevin) Craig, Alex (fiancé Caitlin) Russell, Adam Russell, Christie Russell and her 2 great grandchildren & one on the way; siblings James Church, Frieda Monahan, Ellen Eckhoff & Elmer Church; her nieces and nephews, family & friends. Phyllis was loving, caring, and generous to all who knew her, would open her home to anyone in need, and sincerely enjoyed helping others while expecting nothing in return. Her faith and love of the Lord were exemplified in her selfless and compassionate nature, which was noticed by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Family would like to extend a thank you to Ann Marie Hurley and her staff at Hurley Care Solutions for all their help and guidance, and to all of her caregivers, many of whom were former students. An additional special thank you to all the amazing caregivers from Interim Healthcare that took such loving care of her at home. Phyllis' visitation will be held Monday, November 12th 4-7 PM at Vay-Schleich & Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Rd, Rochester, NY 14626. Her celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, November 13th 11:00 AM at First Bible Baptist Church, 990 Manitou Road, Hilton, New York 14468. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to Roberts Wesleyan College School of Nursing, 2301 Westside Dr, Rochester, NY 14624, schoolofnursing@roberts.edu, 585-594-6330. Thank you for visiting this page to join family and friends in remembrance of her.

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  1. Mrs. Lily was a real inspiration to me, and many others. She was one of my nursing instructors at Isabella Graham Hart in 1985-1986. She combined her love of nursing and common sense approach into her lessons; and was truly unforgettable. I had the good fortune to reconnect with her in 2007 when we both were clinical instructors for Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES LPN program.

    I think she is a fine example of a life well lived. I wish her eternal rest. My condolences to her family on your loss.

  2. My heart breaks for everyone that knew Miss Lilly. She touched so many lives through her faith in Jesus Christ and through teaching so many nursing students over her 40 plus years as an instructor. She was a wonderful college who always fed her Co workers well with her homemade meals.
    We were born in the same hospital in Gouvenuer NY and had always talked about and shared stories about growing up in the 315 area.
    She was a dear and compassionate friend. I will truly miss her wisdom and her spark that she had.
    You are truly and Angel now Miss Lilly, rest in peace. Love and miss you.


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