Phyllis Brown

Phyllis Leone Bates Davis Brown, 90 years young, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 23, 2025. She was born on December 10, 1934, to Lorenzo John Bates and Laura Leone Fernelius Bates in Wanship, Utah.

Phyllis was a lover of life, family, and God. She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities in the Primary and Relief Society. She loved serving in her callings.

Phyllis married Frank LeRoy Davis in the Salt Lake Temple on October 11, 1954. They had seven children together. They later divorced. Her children fondly remember playing family tabletop games like Pit, Flinch, Rummy, and Dominos. They always got compliments on their mom's handmade clothing.

Her grandchildren will always remember Grandma's game cabinet, Rummikub, Mexican Train, the deep dark, "hide the thimble," the fancy fiber-optic Christmas tree, and Grandma's skill of writing backwards. Every year each grandchild would get something "Specially Hand Made by Grandma" for Christmas.

Phyllis's hands were never idle. She was always busy crafting something beautiful and unique. She was resourceful and never let good things go to waste either. Scraps from making her children's clothing would show up in quilts for her grandchildren years later. She made hundreds of crafts for those she loved - quilts, pajamas, Care Bears, dresses, Pound Puppies, pillows, Christmas tree ornaments, mug rugs, rose scrubbers, and many more.

While working at the Salt Lake Community College bookstore, Phyllis was introduced to her sweetheart Thomas Brown. They married on October 14, 1995. Together they enjoyed many road trips, including going to Reno and Disneyland, riding trains, and visiting family.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Lorenzo and Laura Leone Bates; her sisters Ila Muhlestein and Carma Unck; and her husband Thomas Brown.

She is survived by her children, Leonard Davis (Glenna), Gerald Davis (Charlotte), Vanett Brown (Ken), SheriAnn Runchel (Dave), Arlan Davis (Letha), Michael Davis (Jenni), and Joenette Holloway (Marcus); stepdaughter Benita Bowcut (Mike); her brother Max Bates (Kathie); 44 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Thank you to the staff and residents at Legacy House of Taylorsville for being so kind and loving, and for filling Phyllis's days with music.

Special thanks to Aspire Hospice, especially Kim, Rachel, and Nellie. Thank you for your unconditional love and care for our mother.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 4252 South Bennion Road in Taylorsville, Utah. A funeral service will follow at noon. Interment will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens at 1950 East 10600 South in Sandy, Utah.

Phyllis filled our lives with unmistakable joy. We will honor her in sharing the love she gave so freely.

Copyright 2025 Phyllis Brown Family. All rights reserved.