It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Phyllis Lorraine Williams Leach on August 19, 2024, at the age of 80. Phyllis departed this world peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones, following a prolonged illness.

Born on March 30, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Fontaine Williams and Nona Belle Davis Williams. She was the youngest of four siblings, growing up in a close-knit community in Johnson City, TN. She pursued her passion for art at East Tennessee State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts.

Phyllis carved out a remarkable life as a wife, mother and art teacher. As an art teacher, she received numerous awards, nurturing her students' talents with her special brand of spunk and pizazz. Her vibrant personality made her the life of any gathering, always ready with a smile and quick to join the fun on the dance floor.

Phyllis had a real passion for gardening, interior decorating and art. Her final years were spent creating a remarkable collection of paintings, which was proudly exhibited at the Duke-UNC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center leaving a lasting legacy of her creative spirit.

Phyllis married her childhood sweetheart, John Leach, whom she had adored since the seventh grade. Their love story was a tapestry woven with threads of adventure, travel and shared dreams. Together, they built a loving family with three children: Kim, Eric and Brad. She was not only a caring and protective mother but also a doting grandmother to her eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her husband's devotion, especially during her final years, was a testament to their lifelong bond.

Phyllis is survived by her beloved husband, John Leach, her children: Kim Leach Monroe and her husband Ken; Eric Leach and his wife Kate; Brad Leach and his wife Suzy, her grandchildren: Coleman Monroe, Meredith Monroe, Luci Leach, Lexi Leach, Lily Leach, Lila Leach, Esme Leach and William Leach and her great-grandchild: Meadow Milazzo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her sisters, Nelda Williams Foster and Elaine Williams Dunkelburger.

She leaves behind her brother, Fontaine Williams and his wife Barbara, and two brothers-in-law, Ed Foster and Brian Dunkelburger Sr. Her memory is also cherished by her nieces and nephews, including Pam Foster, Laura Foster, Krista Foster Evans, Amy Dunkelburger Chiozza, Brian Dunkelburger Jr., Lee Williams, Jay Williams, Justin Williams, Elizabeth Williams, Andrew Leach, Jonathan Leach and Holden Leach.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Transitions LifeCare - Palliative and Hospice Care and Regina Heroux with Senior Loving Care, whose kindness and support were a great comfort during her final months.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory to the Duke-UNC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.

https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dukehealth?designation=2910862

Phyllis Leach's life was a beautiful expression of love, art and joy; and she will continue to inspire and warm the hearts of all who knew her. Her loving spirit, exuberance and devotion to her family and friends will be deeply missed, but forever remembered.