Phyllis Whitehead

Phyllis Whitehead, 79, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Monday, January 18, 2010, in a local hospital. She was born February 1, 1930 in Bradley County. Phyllis attended Carson Newman College and the National School of Business. She began her career in banking at Cleveland National Bank and later, as Senior Vice-President with Merchants/Suntrust Bank. She served the community many years in various business and area organizations including the Red Cross, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, and Opportunity Adult Reading. She was one of the founding members of the Cleveland Creative Arts Guild, appearing in and directing local plays. She most enjoyed being involved in artistic creation, as when she wrote the words and music for "The Cry of the Owl", adapted from the historical novel "Farewell, the Hills" by Colonial James F. Corn. Phyllis was also a gifted amateur sculptress and Readers Digest prizewinner for her short stories. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Whitehead, infant daughter Sherry, and her father and mother, C.L. and Jennie Bates Fulbright. She is survived by her daughters: Dyan Hayes of Cleveland, and Robin Taylor and husband Joe of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; grandchildren and spouses: Erin Hayes and wife Janice, Keridwynne Conway and husband C.C., Joshua Hayes and wife Mandi, Cody Hayes, and Lawrence Taylor; and great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, January 21, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Fike Funeral Home with Perry Skates officiating. Private interment will be held in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens. Her family will receive friends from 6 - 7 p.m. Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Whitehead family guestbook at www.fikefh.com