Magnolia “Gail” Phyfer, 79
May 3, 1945 – June 14, 2024
Magnolia ”Gail” Phyfer was born May 3, 1945 in Lee County, Mississippi to
Nathaniel DePriest and Normia Lue Bowdry DePriest. She passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2024 at the age of 79, in the presence of her loving daughter and family.
At an early age, she confessed her hope in Christ and joined Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church of Tupelo, Mississippi, where she remained a faithful member until her death. Magnolia’s love transmitted from Mississippi, to Michigan, down to Missouri and back to Mississippi, in which, she found love, marriage, and the birth of her beautiful and loving daughter. Wherever her home, she always made everyone feel welcomed and loved; no heart was left feeling like they did not belong. Her favorite past times were spending time with family and preparing delicious meals that fed many. Aside from family and celebrating them often, her hobbies included daily crossword puzzles, watching western movies (Bonanza and Gunsmoke) and HGTV, where one of the shows she frequented was “Home Town” that aired out of Laurel, Mississippi; she believed in supporting the locals.
She spent many years as an upholsterer and continued this skill she loved up until her last days. She is a retiree of Elvis Presley Heights Cleaners in Tupelo, MS.
Astonishingly, in her most seasoned age, where most would have said all hope was gone and given up, she persevered and remained strong in her faith and independence. During the past 3 years, having the most trying times with her health, she always met you with a smile and complaints were few and far between. She experienced great joy knowing that she was loved by both family and friends; near and far. A constant presence and aid to her was her daughter Dana, family and neighboring friends, who left no stone unturned; she was dearly loved.
Magnolia’s love for others, gave her life here on earth, meaning and purpose to be remembered and carried on with Blessed Assurances. Although, her favorite phrase was “I heard that,” her life’s affirmation can be noted as, “I fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing. ~2 Timothy 4:7-8
Magnolia was preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel and Normia Lue DePriest; her siblings, Princetta, Sonny, Robert, Henry, Tommie Lee, Lester, Martha “Tut” and Roy Lee.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: a daughter, whom she loved with her whole heart, Dana Phyfer (Korey) of Tupelo, MS; four sisters: Gussie Fair (Late George Fair), Rosie “Debra” Westmoreland, Irene “Gloria” Banks, and Clara “Clarice” (Charles Stanley) Welch, all of Tupelo, Mississippi; one aunt, Lula Bowdry of Tupelo, Mississippi; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
Visitation
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Grayson-Porter’s Mortuary
401 N Spring St.
Tupelo, MS 38802
Celebration of Life
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Rising Star M.B. CHurch
1408 N. Madison Street
Tupelo,, MS 38804
