Phyllis (McGinnis) Carothers

On March 22, 2018, Phyllis McGinnis Carothers departed this earthly life and moved into her Heavenly Home, meeting her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

She was also met by her daughter Beth, her parents Odell and Ethel and many family members who preceded her on the journey in death.

Phyllis was born May 4, 1937 to Odell Frederick and Ethel Rhyne McGinnis. She was Baptized and Confirmed at Lutheran Chapel Church in Gastonia. She was a graduate of Gastonia High School class of 1955 and a graduate of the Commercial Class of 1956 at Lenoir Rhyne College. Phyllis and J.C. “Buddy” Carothers were joined in Holy Matrimony at Lutheran Chapel Church on July 21,1956.  As a young wife she was employed with First Union Bank and later at H&R Block as a tax preparer. She was a super Mom to daughters Carol and Beth, involving them in scouting, dancing lessons, horseback riding and trailering.  Her next employment was with Carothers Funeral Homes being in charge of payroll.  Her understanding of finance and accounting led to her becoming the head of accounting.

After Buddy’s Father died in 1978 she and Buddy purchased his shares in Carothers and became managing partners.  She was licensed as a Funeral Director in NC and SC, and was a Regional Partner in the Loewen Group, maintaining that position until she and Buddy sold their interest to the company and became consultants.  She and Buddy enjoyed many years of living in the Florida Keys, St. George Island Florida and their river home in SC.  Phyllis returned to Lutheran Chapel with Buddy and was active until Dementia became an issue.  Her mobility became such that she could no longer walk and eventually became bed bound.  She dealt with the disease as a true woman of faith and was ready to go to her home in Glory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Elizabeth Anne Carothers, a brother in law John Cooper, and a sister in law Mary Ann Boykin.

Left behind to cherish her memory and continue her legacy is her husband and soulmate J.C. “Buddy” Carothers, daughter Carol Carothers (Ronnie Lineberger), granddaughters Jessica Haywood (Dwayne) Rebecca Doyne (Justin), Megan Euliss (Stuart), Kelly Gilbert (Dean), Cathryn Lawson (Wesley),  great grandchildren Andy, Jace, Tucker, Layla, Merritt, Cooper, Seth, Kelsey, Alaina, Jameson, and a sister Susan Cooper (Leon Cox).

A service celebrating the life of Phyllis will be held 3:00 p.m. Monday March 26 at Lutheran Chapel Church with Pastor Michael Comer, Reverend Sam Carothers and Father Robert Kirkland officiating. The family will receive friends in the Family Life Center from 1:00p.m. – 2:45 p.m. She will be laid to rest in the family plot in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Lutheran Chapel Church clothing and food ministry, 702 North New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054.

The family extends a special thank you to Pastor Michael Comer and Father Robert Kirkland for their faithfulness in bringing Holy Communion to Phyllis,  to the congregation of Lutheran Chapel for their prayers and cards, and to the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of the Charlotte Region for their care of Phyllis.

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