Phyllis Jewell Sampson Howard, 62, of Gloucester, passed from this life the morning of April 24, 2011 after a long decline in health. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family as she went to be with God.

Phyllis was born in Lexington, Va., and was raised in Goshen, Va. Phyllis met her husband of 44 years, Luther "Ronnie" Howard, after she moved to Gloucester in 1966. Together Phyllis and Ronnie settled down and raised their family.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Ronnie, and two children, Jeff Howard and his wife Dreama, and Kimberly King and her husband Billy; four grandchildren, who were the joys of her life, Katelynn and Gracie King, and Savannah and Garrett Howard; her mother, Edith Sampson, and four brothers and sisters, Joey Sampson and his wife Sheila, Doris Statler, Penny Barker and her husband Barry, Shirley Bragg and her husband Mason, and a sister-in-law, Nina Sampson. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Sampson, and a brother, Donnie Sampson.

Phyllis was a "people person" and loved to talk to anyone who was within earshot. Phyllis worked at VIMS for 38 years where she retired in 2005 as a business manager.

She was the Youth Bowling Coach at Village Lanes for years while her own children were growing up and was the league secretary for VIMS Monday Night League. She loved Elvis and collected his memorabilia as well as her collections of salt and pepper shakers, Victoria George and Martha Washington dishes and crystal Fire King dishes.

Phyllis enjoyed decorating for weddings which she did for a number of years with a friend. She loved to take pictures and could usually be found with a camera in hand. She was the family "go to" for pictures. She enjoyed making memorials and other contributions for her family and friends. Phyllis loved reading poetry in those memorials and contributions.

She loved children and spent years working in the Sunday School nursery at Ebenezer Baptist Church while her own children were growing up. In her later years she enjoyed spending time with her husband feeding and watching the birds and squirrels in their yard. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren whom she "spoiled rotten" because she was an outstanding "Granny."

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, April 28, 2011, from 6-7 p.m. with a memorial service starting at 7 p.m. conducted by the Rev. Donald Ambrose. Burial services will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, in Goshen.

The family would like to give special thanks to the following people: the nurses and workers with Home Healthcare Systems, especially Gina and Lola whom Phyllis loved like members of her own family, the First Med members who transported her back and forth for medical treatment and appointments, especially George, Nova, John, and Kate whom she loved talking with and treated her like their own family; for that we are very thankful. Also to the staff at Renal Advantage, Dialysis Center, Inc., who took care of her while she was receiving dialysis, and the staff at PCI who took great care of her while she was under their care, and a very special thank you to Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue for their assistance.

Memorial donations may be made to Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1417, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, is in charge of arrangements.