Phyllis Dempsey

Phyllis Howard Dempsey, 69, of 183 Ridgewood Drive, died Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at her home. Born October 22, 1940, in Greer, SC, she was the daughter of the late Winslow David and Frances Phillips Howard. She was a graduate of Winthrop College with a degree in Home Economics and then attended Furman University to complete her degree in Early Childhood Education. She was a retired kindergarten teacher with Spartanburg School District Six with 27 years of service and the first kindergarten teacher appointed to Fairforest Elementary School. Mrs. Dempsey was the recipient of the Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Award from News Channel 4 and an illustrator of children's educational books. She was a member of Croft Baptist Church where she was a choir member and teacher of the Ruth Sunday School Class. She was a charter member and past president of the Fairforest Garden Club and a lifetime member of the South Carolina Garden Club. Survivors include her husband, Rev. Joe H. Dempsey; a daughter, Leslie D. LeMaster and her husband James Todd LeMaster of Wellford; a son, David L. Dempsey and his life partner Lawrence W. Adkins of Atlanta, GA; a granddaughter, Adeline M. LeMaster, and a grandson, James "Jamie" David LeMaster, both of Wellford; a sister, Hilda H. Morrow and her husband J. Lawrence Morrow of Inman; a special uncle, J. Fred Rector of Greer; and a special aunt, Mildred Giles of Tupelo, MS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2010, at Croft Baptist Church conducted by the Rev. Jack D. Weaver and the Rev. Dr. John V. Platt. A Celebration of Life Service will also be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday at Fairforest Baptist Church conducted by the Rev. Tom LeGrand, the Rev. Dr. John V. Platt, and Dr. Paul G. Moore. Burial will be in the Fairforest Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the committal service in the Church Fellowship Hall. Honorary Escort at Croft Baptist Church will be Deacons and members of the Ruth Sunday School Class. Honorary Escort at Fairforest Baptist Church will be members of the Fairforest Garden Club. Memorials may be made to Croft Baptist Church, 4190 East Croft Circle, Spartanburg, SC 29302; or to Fairforest Garden Club, c/o Joyce Smith, 750 Maple Street, #4, Spartanburg, SC 29302. The family is at the home, 183 Ridgewood Drive, Inman, SC 29349. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Phyllis Howard Dempsey please visit our Sympathy Store.