Phyllis Jean Manis

April 16, 1944 - February 26, 2025

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”(John 10:10,KJV).

Phyllis Jean Hunt Manis, devoted wife of Waymond and beloved mother to three daughters, passed away at her home, leaving a void her family cannot fill.

She was born in Kingsport on April 16, 1944, to Nester “Dood” and Juanita Feagins Hunt. Phyllis graduated from Dobyns Bennett High School and attended East Tennessee State University before going to work at Tennessee Eastman Company. She left her job to accompany her husband to Germany as he served in the U.S. Army and later to start a family. After having her children, she became a School Bus Driver for Clark Cox Bus Lines. She drove a multitude of students to Sullivan County schools for 38 years, loving field trips to Dollywood. She was a faithful member of Harmony Baptist Church since 1978 serving in many roles most fondly as the Church Secretary, Senior Citizen Coordinator and Driver of the known Blue Bus. 

Phyllis was a devoted mother to Kristie, Krystal and Kellie, her pride and joys. She always said that their births changed her life for the better, and they felt that in the love and support she provided.

She took special joy in shopping (especially for her girls) and had fond memories of many trips to the Longaberger Factory. Phyllis was a Make A Wish Volunteer, a member of Red Hat Society, Kingsport Fellowship of Christian Women and counted down the days yearly until the Appalachian Fair to assist in the Farm & Home Building. 

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and her mother-in-law, Ann Manis Addington.

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years and caretaker, Waymond; her daughters, Kristie (J.T.) Robinette, Krystal (David) Woody, and Kellie (Joey) Harrison; grandchildren, Drew & Eli Robinette, Ian Clements, Constance Woody and Allie Harrison, who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Harmony Baptist Church, Jonesborough. A Celebration of Life service will follow with Pastor Steve Pate officiating. Burial will follow the service at Harmony Cemetery.

With great honor, Phyllis’s grandsons, Drew, Eli, and Ian; along with her sons-in-law, J.T., Woody and Joey will serve as pallbearers. 

Those who desire can give memorials to Harmony Cemetery Fund c/o Debbie Salyers 150 Rosecliff Estates Fall Branch TN 37656