Phyllis Henry

Phyllis "Til Til" Lynn Henry, 68, of Little Rock, peacefully passed away on the morning of January 17, 2018 in Little Rock in the company of Judy Matsuoka. Phyllis was born at home on April 5, 1949 in Benton, Arkansas to Rome "RJ" and Gladys "Dote" Henry. She was the fifth of the eight Henry siblings. After a tomboyish childhood of climbing trees, riding bicycles, and following Granny on after-church visits, Phyllis survived the 1959 polio outbreak in Arkansas. She persevered and became a proud graduate of the Benton High School Class of 1967. After graduation, she attended the Arkansas Rehabilitation Center in Hot Springs and then attended college. Phyllis graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1979 with a degree in political science—the first college graduate in her hardworking family. Although her health prevented her from working after college, she wanted to give back to the community. So she proudly claimed the title of "troublemaker" and worked for the rights of people with disabilities to access public transportation, housing and life outside of nursing homes. Additionally, Phyllis enjoyed being outdoors, camping, taking photos, playing with her dogs, watching movies, listening to rock music, being with friends and family, singing silly songs, and volunteering. She also loved being with her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and watching as they all grew up. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, RJ and Gladys Henry, her brother, Rodney; her sister, Pamella; cousin, Joe Cash; and in-laws Tommy Maddox, Glen Mason and Betty Tiner. Many friends also preceded her in death including Vicky, Deborah, Toni, Virginia, Gwen, Marilyn and Bob. All enriched her life and all were missed. She is survived by her companion of 23 years, Judy Matsuoka, her siblings, Patricia Mason, Don Henry, James (Debbie) Henry, Beverly Maddox, Glenda (James) Jenkins, brother-in-law Mike Ivy, a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a smattering of great-great-nieces and great-great nephews. She tried to count them all and failed. She is also survived by cousins, including Charles (Dorothy "Jeanelle") Cash who regularly visited her, and their children. Phyllis gave special thanks to those whose love and commitment made it possible for her to live a meaningful and fun life. In addition to her family during her early years, she thanks friends, neighbors, and long-time caregivers over the years, particularly Kathy, Fred, Linda, Fonda, Dani, Elaine, Pearl, Becky, Nareen, Maxine, Andrea, Margaret, Joanne, Rachel, Dana, Cindy, Karen, Irene, Melissa, Faye, Betty, Susie, Sandy, the Rouses, the Fishers, and Judy for treating her as "just folks. Her hardheadedness and the exceptional medical care from many doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and others through the years helped Phyllis beat the prognosis that she wouldn't survive her teens. She thanks them for listening to her, thinking outside of the box and sometimes greeting her with "you're still here?" Phyllis' faith informed her life and she rests assured of God's love. To celebrate, visitation will be held at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton (108 West Narroway Street, Benton, Arkansas 72015) 12 to 1 p.m. Saturday, January 20 with services beginning at 1 p.m. Cremation to follow. As Phyllis' faith uplifted her, she wants to uplift (literally) another person with a disability. To that end and to ease the work of a caregiver, she asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Arkansas Spinal Cord Foundation (1501 North University Ave., Suite 470, Little Rock, Ark. 72207) towards the purchase of an electric patient lift to help a person move safely from bed to wheelchair. She also asks that people always exercise their right to vote and to vote for candidates who will act to ensure that people with disabilities are treated with fairness and dignity. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.