Phyllis Carol Kelsey

Phyllis Carol Stanfill Kelsey, 83, passed away peacefully at her home on January 16, 2026. She was born in Athens, TN, to Emma Sue Watson and Otis Stanfill.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, Pfc Otis Stanfill, who died during the Normandy Invasion of World War II when she was eighteen months old; Sue Watson Stanfill Hughes, J. G. Hughes, and her brother-in-law, Phil Marson.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-three years, Sam Kelsey, daughter Jana Kelsey Forrest (Chuck), granddaughter Kelsey Anne Forrest Gentry (Tyler); Sister, Robin Hughes Marson, niece and nephews whom she claimed as grandchildren, Emma Lauren Spacher, Walter Saul Spacher (Mary), Nick Marson (Angela; children Kilian & Liam). Special first cousin and best friend, Shirley McKeehan.

Phyllis treasured her friendships she had known since elementary school. Those extended family members were known as “the sisters”, took yearly trips together and had an unwavering friendship. The group of “sisters” include Anna Lee Cagle, Sheila Finnell, Sue Presswood (deceased), Joan Ramsey (deceased), and Donna Russell (deceased).

Phyllis was an active member of Westview Baptist Church for over 60 years and a member of Order of Eastern Star #159 and The Ladies Shrine. She began her medical career at Foree Hospital when she was a teenager, ending that career as a Respiratory Therapist. In late 1970’s she, along with a friend, became the second pet groomer in Athens, a passion she loved for over 40 years.

Phyllis had great faith in our Lord and Savior. This is the strong foundation that she passed down to those who knew her. She will be remembered as a caring and generous person, who cared for others more than herself. She was loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday in the Chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Rev. Keith Whited officiating. Interment will follow in McMinn Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be Tyler Gentry, Saul Spacher,  Scott Forrest, Jeff McCay, John Hale, Scott Leamon and Nick Marson. Honorary pallbearer will be Ronnie Lingerfelt. The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Tuesday in the funeral home. 

Condolences may be sent www.laycockhobbs.com/notices/Phillis-Kelsey. Layock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tenn. in charge of arrangements.