Phyllis Hale Obituary

Phyllis Magdalene Whittemore Hale

February 23, 1944 -

February 17, 2025

ELIZABETHTON - Phyllis Magdalene Whittemore Hale of Elizabethton, Tennessee went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 17, 2025 at her home at the age of 80. Phyllis was born in Carter County on February 23, 1944 to the late Herman Pettibone Whittemore and Ida Florence Hill Whittemore. In addition to her parents, Phyllis was also preceded in death by her husband, Townie Jeter "T.J." Hale Jr. in 2008; and an infant son, Townie Jeter Hale, III in 1967.

Phyllis worked for Great Lakes Research between the years of 1966-1983, Tri-State Analytical Laboratory as an environmental chemist between the years of 1984-2008 and for GPL Laboratories as the laboratory director from 2008-2009. Phyllis was a member of the American Chemical Society, tutored at Unaka Elementary after her retirement and was an overseer of the Library at Roan Street Church of God. Phyllis enjoyed reading and watching the deer in her backyard. She was an avid Tennessee Vol fan and especially enjoyed watching the Lady Vols.

Those left to continue Phyllis's legacy include her daughter, Holli Anna Hale Fair and husband Sean of Elizabethton; her granddaughter, Haley Fair Garland and husband Isaac of Elizabethton; a special exchange daughter, Betsy Duarte Shepard and husband Gary of CA; her brothers, Benny Whittemore of Elizabethton and Louis Whittemore and wife Donna of Knoxville; a sister, Marcia Seehorn, GA. Several nieces and nephews also survive, as well as her beloved and dedicated cat of 17 years, Susie.

A celebration of Phyllis's life will be conducted at 7:00 PM on Friday, February 21, 2025 in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway Percy Funeral Home with Pastor Kenneth Bewley and Dr. Alan King officiating. The family will receive friends between the hours of 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the service on Friday.

The graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Hathaway Percy Funeral Home at 10:15 AM on Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Amedysis Home Health and Amedysis Hospice, Dr. Christina Hutchins and Katie Beth Eldridge of State of Franklin Healthcare. Special caregivers, Debbie Stout, Carolyn Jackson and Valerie Vines.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in honor of Phyllis to the Pat Summitt Alzheimer's Association/ Foundation, 520 W Summit Hill Drive SW, #1101, Knoxville, TN 37902 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com. Hathaway Percy Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the Hale family. Office phone: (423) 543-5544.