Phyllis McAmis

Phyllis Yarnell McAmis, born into this world October 4, 1949, and walked into the arms of Jesus on February 28, 2024, at the age of 74. Phyllis was born to Samuel Marshall Yarnell and Martha Mildred "Pete" Yarnell in Knoxville, TN., and quickly transplanted to Cleveland, TN., for Marshall's job as a conductor with the railroad. She was the middle of three beautiful girls, in between Brenda and Martha. They lost Marshall early but had a beautiful and resilient mother to guide them through their younger years, affectionately known as "Mom Pete." Phyllis attended North Lee Elementary and then Bradley High School, graduating in the spring of 1967. She found her career shortly thereafter when she was hired by James C. Cate, as his secretary, at Miller & Martin Law Firm. She worked there for 53 diligent years where she made lifelong friendships. To her, Miller & Martin was family.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Surviving relatives include her loving partner for life, Vernon West; her son, Sam McAmis (Kindel), her granddaughter, Collins, whom her world completely revolved around; her sisters, Brenda Chambers of Knoxville, and Martha Leinbach (Tom) of Charlottesville, VA.; sister-friends Stella Shasteen and Christie Burbank; her nieces Melanie, Rachael, Monica, and Angie; nephews Bailey, Shaun, Eric, Stevie, and Stacy; many great nieces and nephews; her special cousins Phil Bailey (Mary), and Gail Erwin Clark; and all of her family at Miller & Martin.

She was a light to the world who showed love to all of those that she encountered. She poured her love freely out to her family and friends, so much so that it seemed unlimited. To know her, was to have been touched by her. She will be greatly missed by us every minute of every day while we are in this world.

The family would like to invite you to a visitation at Companion Funeral Home in Cleveland, TN., from 5-8pm, Monday, March 4, 2024. Additionally, there will be a graveside service at 10am, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Hiwassee Memorial Gardens in Charleston, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Empty Stocking Fund c/o Phyllis McAmis at P.O. Box 2370, Cleveland, TN., 37320.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Phyllis or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.