Phyllis Ann Ferguson Bays

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Phyllis Ann Ferguson Bays, age 90, of the Big Moccasin Community, passed away peacefully on November 2nd, 2024, surrounded by her family. 

She was born March 31, 1934, to Linzy and Gladys Pennington Ferguson. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and wife. Phyllis was a graduate of Shoemaker High School in 1952. She retired from the Kingsport Press after many years of service. She was married to Howard Bays for 31 years. She was a woman of great faith, who attended Roadside Mission Baptist Church until the decline in her health. 

In the later years of her life, Phyllis faced the challenges of dementia with grace and courage. Although this illness altered her memory and daily life, it could not diminish her spark and personality. She continued to inspire those around her with moments of laughter and warmth. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Linzy and Gladys Ferguson. A son, Stephen Burke and a daughter, Jenny Burke Staples (John). Her siblings-Lorraine Harris (Arnold), Walter Ferguson (Shirley), Brent Ferguson, Ed Ferguson (Margaret), John Ferguson (Iva), and Kermit Osborne. Father of her children, Herman K. Burke, and Husband-Howard Bays

She is survived by sons, Mark (Carolyn) Burke, David (Yolanda) Burke; Daughter, Karen Burke; Daughter-in-Law, Louise Burke; Grandchildren, Morgan (B.J.) Snodgrass, Sarah (Andrew) Medukas, Laura Jennings, Adam Burke, Lindsey (Reggie) Burke-Rodriguez; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, June Osborne; stepdaughter, Rhonda Phillips; and step-granddaughter, Savanna Phillips; beloved dog, Gracie.

 Nephews, Eddie, Lowell, and Larry Ferguson, Johnny and Arthur Ferguson, Charles and Richard Osborne; Nieces, Diana Meredith, Linda Stott, Lisa Sanders, Ramona Stapleton, and Michelle Denise.

The family will receive friends from 11-1p.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the Gate City Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 1:00p.m., in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Eddie Taylor officiating.

Graveside services will follow at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, VA. Pallbearers will be family and friends. 

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Joel Danisi and Caris Hospice Care.

An online guest register is available for the Bays family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Phyllis Ann Ferguson Bays.