Categories: Breaking NewsElizabethton, TNNews

Elizabethton Mourns the Loss of a Local Legend

Community members reflecting on the contributions of Phyllis Hale.

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News Summary

Elizabethton bids farewell to Phyllis Hale, a cherished community figure and environmental chemist who dedicated her life to science and education. At the age of 80, Phyllis passed away on February 17, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and a commitment to bettering her community. Celebrated for her role as a mentor and her passion for helping others, her memory will live on in the hearts of many.

Elizabethton Mourns the Loss of a Local Legend

Elizabethton is saying goodbye to one of its beloved figures, Phyllis Hale, who passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on February 17. A true trailblazer not only in the field of science but also within the community, Phyllis leaves behind a legacy filled with passion, hard work, and a heart dedicated to helping others.

A Journey to Chemistry

Phyllis’s journey began with aspirations of becoming a pharmacist, but her love for science led her to shift gears toward a degree in chemistry. She kickstarted her career with her first job at Great Lakes Research in Elizabethton, where she worked diligently until the company closed its doors. But that wasn’t the end of her impactful career; she then transitioned to Tri-State Analytical Laboratory, where she worked as an environmental chemist from 1984 to 2008. During her time there, Phyllis was responsible for collecting water samples from wells across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, providing invaluable data that helped improve the safety and quality of water in the region.

Choosing Family Over Relocation

When Tri-State Analytical shut down, Phyllis was offered the opportunity to relocate to Texas. However, holding her family close to her heart, she chose to remain in Elizabethton, close to her daughter, Hollii, a teacher at Unaka Elementary School. Phyllis continued her career briefly as the laboratory director at GPL Laboratory from 2008 to 2009 before embracing a well-deserved retirement.

A Lifelong Dedication to Education

Even in retirement, Phyllis didn’t shy away from sharing her knowledge. She dedicated her time as a tutor for students at Unaka Elementary, ensuring that the value of education continued to thrive in the community she loved. Beyond the classroom, she was an active member of Roan Street Free Will Baptist Church, where she oversaw the church library and embodied the spirit of community service.

A Heart for Giving

Phyllis was known for her kind soul and passion for helping those around her. From making Christmas fruit baskets to providing meals for funerals, her generosity knew no bounds. She even hosted an exchange student, Betsy Duarte Shepard, and maintained a lifelong friendship that warmed her heart, as well as Hollii’s.

Family and Hobbies

Phyllis was a devoted mother to Hollii and a loving grandmother to her granddaughter, Halli. A proud pet owner, she shared her home with a sweet cat named Susie. In her leisure time, Phyllis enjoyed reading and was a big fan of the Lady Vols basketball team, not to mention a passionate follower of men’s football and basketball. One of her favorite tunes was the classic “Amazing Grace”, especially when played on bagpipes, which reflected her deep appreciation for life and its blessings.

A Lasting Memory

During her final month, although Phyllis battled dementia and was bedridden, her strong memory of her life’s journey and contributions remained intact. She was surrounded by family, who cherished the moments they had left with her. Phyllis had two brothers, Benny and Louis, and a sister named Marcia, who will always hold her memory dear. On February 22, she was laid to rest at Happy Valley Memorial Park, marking the end of a beautiful chapter filled with kindness, community spirit, and a steadfast commitment to bettering the lives around her.

A Role Model for All

The community of Elizabethton has lost a remarkable woman, but Phyllis Hale’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come. Through her unwavering community service and her role as a mentor, she serves as a shining example of how one person’s kindness can create ripples of positive change. Farewell, Phyllis; you will be missed, but your spirit will forever resonate in the heart of Elizabethton.