Phyllis Jean (Delong) Maynard
1943—2024
Phyllis Jean Delong Maynard, 81, passed away peacefully the morning of Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, at home in Beauty, with the love of her family surrounding her.
Born Jan. 23, 1943, in Debord, she was the daughter of the late John P. Delong and Pearl Porter Baker.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by brothers Roger Baker and Harrison “Oakie” Delong; four sisters, Vonda Sue Maynard, Jewell Dean Christy, Willa Mae Gusten and Roxie Waueka Delong; her oldest son, Russell Maynard Jr.; grandson Robert Maynard Jr.; a niece who was more like a sister, Dorothy “Debbie” Slone; and a very special friend, Bazil McGinnis.
Phyllis never remarried after the death of her husband, Russell “Shorty” Maynard, who preceded her in death by 38 years. She played the role of mother and father in a time when that was not common. Despite these struggles, she always provided a loving and warm home for her children and grandchildren. Phyllis trusted her faith in God and instilled in each of them her strong beliefs and values that include respect for others within and outside the family, along with an understanding that happiness does not ultimately depend on material things. Phyllis was a true matriarch of her family.
Phyllis was a devoted mother and Granny, as well as a member of the Inez Church of Christ. She was a fixture on Buck Creek and will always be remembered for being humble and kind to all who knew her.
She will be deeply missed by her loving children, Mitchell (Marlene) Maynard of Lovely, Robert Maynard, Martha Maynard and Samantha Maynard, all of Beauty; daughter-in-law Donna Jean Maynard of Inez; grandchildren Russell (Vickie) Maynard of Beauty, Christopher Maynard of Inez, Melinda Bradley of Ohio, Phelecia (Ira) Messer of Stonecoal, West Virginia, Ronnie Porter of Beauty, Brittney (John Eric) Pyatt and Mariss Maynard, both of Oak Hill, West Virginia, Lance Tackett of Beauty, Steven (Katie) Jude of Calf Creek and Angela Jude of Warfield; brothers Bobby Joe Delong and Charles Baker Jr and sister, Patricia Rose Cumbo, all of Columbus, Ohio; nieces who are more like sisters, Cathy (JB) Parsons of Inez and Charlotte (Phillip) Albert of Marion, Ohio. Phyllis had many great-grandchildren and numerous extended family members and friends who will cherish their memories of her.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, at noon in the chapel of Crum Funeral Home with James Russell Maynard and Rusty Maynard officiating. Burial will follow at the Everett Maynard Cemetery. Friends may visit the funeral home all day Wednesday. Arrangements are under the direction of Crum Funeral Home of Inez.