Phyllis Jean Wheatcraft Painter, 87, of Sissonville, WV, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, January 5, 2024.

Phyllis was born December 13, 1936, and grew up with her two brothers and two sisters on her parents' dairy farm in the sheltered valley of Hickenbottom Holler. As the oldest sister, Phyllis was often a caregiver for her younger siblings on the busy farm.

Phyllis graduated from Sissonville High School in 1956 and immediately began working at what was then C&P Telephone Company (now Bell Atlantic) in Charleston. She would go on to work at the telephone company for 35 years, retiring in 1991 as a vice president. She married Bob Painter in 1958 and he was the love of her life. They were married for 60 years until his passing in 2018.

Phyllis loved gardening, especially growing roses; cooking and baking for her family and friends; and enjoying nature. She and her sisters attended the annual West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage at Blackwater Falls for 18 years. Phyllis was also an active member of Fisher Memorial Church in Kenna, WV, and belonged to the Good News Club there.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob Painter; her parents, Robert and Nellie Wheatcraft; and her brother, Eugene Wheatcraft. She leaves behind her two sisters, Millie Lynn of Charleston and Janet Wheatcraft of Manassas, VA; brother Joe Wheatcraft of Charleston; and brother-in-law Bob Lynn, also of Charleston; six nieces and nephews; six great nieces and nephews; one great-great niece; and many good friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Long & Fisher Funeral Home with Hospice Chaplin Pete Thompson officiating.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. before the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kanawha Hospice Care at https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation or by mail at 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W, Charleston, WV, 25387.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.longfisherfuneralhome.com