Phyllis Hendershot

Phyllis Luann Hanna Finley Hendershot, slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, Monday, May 23, 2022. Phyllis was born in Hasema, Texas September 10, 1940, to William Voyd Hanna and Bertha Sewell Hanna Norman. She was the eighth child of twelve children.

Phyllis began her education in Van Vleck ISD and graduated as Salutatorian of her senior class in 1959. Phyllis was not only a scholar but participated in many activities including band, cheerleading, twirling to name a few. She was also voted Band Queen her sophomore year and Homecoming Queen her senior year. Honm

She married the first love of her life, Millard “Pete” Finley in 1961. They traveled all over the Continental United States, including Alaska, for Pete’s chosen profession.  Two boys were born to this union, Dennis, and Bradley (Brad) Finley.

When Pete died in a boating accident, Phyllis decided to go back to college.  She enrolled in an Office Management program. While attending classes, she took a part time job at Dow Chemical as an Administrative Assistant in the Plastics R&D Department.  Once she graduated, she was asked to take the job full time.  In 1994, in recognition of Phyllis’ many contributions to the improvement of the overall efficiency and operation of the Polycarbonate and Blends Research Laboratory, she was promoted to Office Administrator of the Polyolefins Research. She made many friends while working there.

Loyd Hendershot was the Phyllis’ second love of her life.  They married on May 19, 1989. They purchased the old home place in Hasema and began enjoying retirement by gardening on a grand scale and fishing.  They shared many harvests with family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Millard (Pete) Finley, son Dennis Finley, mother, father, brothers, George (GW) Hanna, Ray Hanna, and Wesley Hanna, as well as sisters, Quinda Hanna, and Agnes Merritt. And we cannot forget Bo, her beloved dog.

She is survived by her husband Loyd Hendershot, son Brad Finley, grandson Dylan Finley and great-granddaughter, Serenity.  She is also survived by siblings, Naomi Swinney of Janesville, CA, Elby Hanna of Victoria, Zana Ellis (Wayne) of Ganado, Margie Mielsch of Cedar Lane, Paul Hanna (Sheila) of Bay City, and Faye Pounders (James) of Brazoria.  There are a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces, cousins, and friends that will miss her dearly.

Phyllis was a very loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend.  She strived to keep up with them all and kept the rest of us updated on Illness and accomplishes. She loved to play Scrabble with her two cousins, Charlene Finley, and Joy Vicars.  She loved her church and church family, especially the choir and her Sunday School class at Sweeny First Baptist.  Most of those ladies she had known since she and Pete moved to Sweeny or before.  Gardening was another love she shared with her husband, Loyd.  They were always giving away the fruits of their labors. When you went to their house, she was quick to put a meal on the table preparing some mouthwatering dishes! Sewing was another pastime she enjoyed.  Multiple times a year the “sisters” and a couple of nieces met at one or the others houses for a few days of sewing, singing, eating, and just visiting.  There was not very much sleeping during these sewing marathons.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at the First Baptist Church Sweeny, 402 N. Main St., with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jerl Watkins, Pastor John Price, and Pastor Warren Rayburn officiating. Interment will follow in Sweeny Cemetery.

The pallbearers are John Finley, Mike Ellis, James Hanna, Lester Merritt, Bobby Hanna, and Robert Finley. Honorary pallbearers are Bubba Finley, Randy Smith, and James Finley.