Phyllis (Bennett) Masters

Phyllis Bennett Masters, age 78, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on September 17, 1946, in Erwin, Tennessee, to the late Ethel Tolley Bennett and Willie Bennett.

Phyllis dedicated over 30 years to her career as a dental assistant, taking great pride in her work and cherishing the meaningful friendships she built along the way. However, the roles she treasured most were those of a devoted wife, loving mother, and adoring “Mamaw.” She was a meticulous homemaker and a gifted cook, known for her impeccable sense of style, love of fashion, and deep appreciation for life’s simple joys. Above all, Phyllis found her greatest happiness in the company of her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Phyllis’s faith was the foundation of her life—she found great joy in old gospel hymns and was a dedicated member of Shallow Ford Baptist Church. Her gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and boundless love left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is now reunited in Heaven with her parents and her beloved siblings: Irene Robinson, Peggy Bennett Wright, James Bennett, Kenneth Bennett, Ricky Bennett, and Dennie Bennett.

She leaves behind a family who will forever hold her memory close, including her devoted husband and soulmate of 33 years, Craig Masters; her son, Mark Galloway (Anne) of Erwin, Tennessee; her daughter, Amy Burchett of Unicoi, Tennessee; and her stepdaughter, Cindy Masters of Columbia, South Carolina. She was a proud and loving Mamaw to five treasured grandchildren: Yvette and Kelly Galloway, Austin Burchett (Kesia), Isaac Burchett, and Emily Burchett (Bradly Harris), as well as two precious great-granddaughters, Ayvah and Kaelynn Burchett. She is also survived by her dear sisters, Robbie Tipton, Catherine Arenas, and Priscilla Saylor, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Phyllis’s love will continue to shine through the lives she touched, and her family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace, embraced by those who went before her.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Becky Allen, the nurses with Amedisys, Dr. Brian Way, and his dedicated staff for their compassionate care. A special thank you is also extended to dear friends Frank Rogers, Mike Hensley, and the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Department for their kindness and support.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 3, 2025, with a service to follow, at Robert Ledford Funeral Home, where they will gather to honor and celebrate the beautiful life she lived. In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated, and a private graveside service will be held with her closest loved ones. Honorary pallbearers include Mark Galloway, Austin Burchett, Isaac Burchett, and Bradly Harris.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Phyllis’s memory to Women on a Mission at Shallow Ford Baptist Church, Unicoi County Search and Rescue, or the Carter-Johnson-Unicoi County Isaiah 117 House—organizations close to her heart.

Though she is no longer physically with us, Phyllis’s love, kindness, and unwavering faith will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

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