Phyllis Huff

Phyllis was born in Berlin, Oklahoma as the eldest of a family with seven kids. Phyllis spent her youth picking cotton, playing basketball and using her imagination to escape the challenges of the farm life. She spoke often of daydreaming in the cotton fields about a device that she could fit in her ears to listen to music. She was certain she was the first to invent the iPod. You should know that she often referred to herself as The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA after the song from 1972. Her persistent turn toward joy started in the cotton field out of necessity and became a deep part of who she was and what we will miss most. When the time came to leave Oklahoma, she was excited to attend Abilene Christian College in Abilene Texas. While working as a cashier in the bookstore, Phyllis met R. Lynn Huff. As a very popular young woman, she had to clear her schedule to make a date with the striking young man from Austin. She did so willingly and that was the beginning of 70 years of love and commitment; in all its forms, sickness and health, on two continents, richer and poorer, in youth and old age. Phyllis earned a degree in elementary education and spent a few years teaching while they lived in Winters and Hearne, Texas. Soon they welcomed a daughter Denise in 1961, and then with courage and conviction left to become missionaries in Brazil with the churches of Christ, arriving in 1962. While in Brazil, Phyllis learned Portuguese through a dear friend and later, family member Lucia. If you can laugh in another language that’s what these two did for decades together. Phyllis set to work supporting the churches and the effort by teaching and mentoring women. Richard was born in Brazil in 1965 and then the family added Andreia in 1971 as an adopted member. Phyllis returned to the US in 1975 and continued in her role of homemaker. She continued her personal ministry with women in home classes and bible studies. Phyllis loved to make carrot cake, watch Phil Donahue and later, Oprah Winfrey. Her “office” then was the phone where she encouraged, taught and nurtured women in their parenting, marriages and faith. In 1984, Phyllis joined Mary Kay Cosmetics and became a senior sales director. She loved the lessons of servant leadership and positive encouragement that the company promoted. This was an extension of how she had already been serving for most of her life. At one point her office became a pink Cadillac symbolizing excellence in her efforts but mostly her commitment to helping others. Her loss of her son Richard in 2003 was a pivotal and life-changing event. She loved him with all the fervor one can love a son. She respected him. She honored him. She missed him every day she was on this earth. And now we know she is enjoying him again with deep joy that in many ways she taught him and he reflected so well. In life, Phyllis perfected the art of story-telling and loved to weave a punchline with perfect timing and impish grins. You could see her father Arthur in these moments in her. She would delight all those around her and requests for repeats of stories were common. She made biscuits that only a farm girl could make. She loved a great a burger and fries probably from the early ones her mother Merle made and sold. She also loved a good carrot cake but you may or may not get her recipe. If you needed encouragement, she would call or visit. Often, she knew you needed it even if you did not. She had a way of knowing these things. Phyllis loved her surviving siblings, their spouses and their children; Michelle and Cletis Viers, Anne and Jerry Mathiews, Joe and Diana Wells, Max and Lee Wells, Von and Susan Wells. She is now reunited with sister Ruth and Kenneth Burcham and sister Donna and Tom Hicklin. Phyllis would want you know Kim Huff, Darrell Howard and John McEwen who through their dedication and love were one in her heart. Phyllis would also want to you to be reminded of her grandchildren and their spouses Monika and Seth, Austin and Emilee, Tyler and Alyssa, Tori and Ty; Holden, Ava, Jackson and Audrey. And she would want you to see her in her great-grandchildren Austin and Emilee’s Andrew and Hallie, Tyler and Alyssa’s Rory, Reese and Ryan; Tori and Ty Engelhardt’s Jackson and Cannon. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for Lynn’s continued assistance. You may mail to John McEwen 9 N. Timber Top Drive Spring, TX 77380. The Addison family and staff of Magnolia Funeral Home extend condolences to the Huff family during this difficult time.

Phyllis Huff

January 24, 2026