Phyllis Lee Poynter

March 21, 1929 - April 4, 2018

Phyllis Lee (Suiter) Poynter was born on March 21, 1929 in Huntington, West Virginia. She was called from this mortal life on April 4, 2018 at the age of 89 years, 0 months, and 14 days. Her parents moved from Huntington in 1937 to southern Ohio. She lived most of her life in Lawrence County, Ohio, just outside of Chesapeake. At the time of her death, she resided with her daughter, Terri Kay Kunze on Greasy Ridge.
Phyllis was a graduate of Chesapeake High School. Following high school, she was employed by ACF Industries of Huntington, West Virginia. At ACF Industries, she directed the activities of the business office, being responsible of introducing and operating the office machines that were pre-cursors of present-day computer systems. She served faithfully in that role for over forty years.
Phyllis was the first-born of four children. She had two brothers: Phil and William Suiter. Phil lives in St. Albans, West Virginia. William lives in Chesapeake, Ohio. She had one sister: Bonnie (Suiter) Moore who preceded her in death. When the family got together for holidays, for birthdays, and other occasions, they always met Phyllis’ house. Everyone wanted to go to Phyllis’s house. She could cook. She could plan. She made all of the family gatherings joyous occasions. He nieces and nephews still speak of the good times at Phyllis’ house.
Phyllis was blessed with musical talent. She ministered in many churches in the area at the piano and at the organ. In addition, God blessed her with a beautiful alto/tenor voice. She was the best. She used that talent for many years in the church she attended. Music was her life. Even in the last years of her life, she remembered the lyrics of old hymns and would join in with those singing around her beside. She never lost her love for music.
Phyllis understood the important things in life. She provided nursing care for her mother (Bethel Suiter) for several years after her mother was diagnosed with cancer. She did the same thing for her father (Derward Suiter) who lived more than twenty years following the death of his wife, Phyllis’ mother. She lived by the principles of the Bible, fulfilling the fifth of the Ten Commandments: “Honor thy father and they mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which thy Lord thy God giveth thee.” (Exodus 20:12)
Phyllis also knew much heartache in life. She was married to Myron Poynter. Their time together was joyous for each of them. But, tragically, Myron (Gene) was taken in death at age 32. Though her family drew very close to her at this time, providing support and encouragement, there was a void for her the rest of her life. The one she loved had been taken. But, Phyllis was strong. She was resilient. She bounced back. Her strength came from the Lord. Though quiet in her public life, she had a deep understanding of Biblical truth. She placed her faith in the One who could provide her sustenance of all kinds, meeting all the needs of her life.
Myron and Phyllis were blessed with a daughter, Terri (Poynter) Kunze. Phyllis was bedfast for a long time. But, her daughter had learned much from her mother. Terri provided the care that her mother needed. She became expert in understanding her mother’s illness and in providing the care demanded by that illness. The care she provided extended her mother’s illness and in providing the care demanded by that illness. The care she provided extended her mother’s life for a number of years. Terri worked to assist Hospice nurses, nurses that came to see how Terri had prepared herself to care for her mother.
Phyllis left her mark on the world. She was a faithful servant. She leaves a legacy of service, of ministry to others, and of using her gifts and talents to honor and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. Funeral services will be Monday, April 9, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Slack and Wallace Funeral Home, South Point, OH with Dr. Phil Suiter officiating.  Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens, South Point, OH.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heartland Hospice of Lucasville, 205 North Street, Lucasville, OH 45648.  Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.slackandwallace.com.