Phyllis Jeanne Lawyer

A celebration of life for Phyllis J. Lawyer, 88, of Newark, OH will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 285 W. National Drive, Newark, OH 43055 at 2:30PM with The Reverend Dr. Steve Swisher officiating. A reception will immediately follow at Cherry Valley Hotel, 2299 Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, OH 43055.

Phyllis passed peacefully in her home surrounded by family, friends, and her beloved dog Macy on September 28, 2026. She was born on January 15,1938 in Lancaster, OH, to the late James and Dorothy Ward.

A graduate of the class of 1956 at Lancaster High School, as a statement to both her inner and outer beauty, Phyllis was named by her classmates as Homecoming Queen her senior year.

Phyllis retired from Licking Memorial Hospital after twenty years in the cardiology department as a cardiac technician where she took great pride in helping strengthen her patient’s hearts, yet another reflection of her kindness.

In 1982, Phyllis married Thomas Lawyer and for 43 years shared a wonderful relationship and exemplified to everyone what a great marriage looks like; one built on laughter, trust and most importantly unquestionable love. Together Phyllis and Tom blended families and raised ten children, fed ice cream and cookies to twenty-one grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. They had the joy of traveling the world together to places such as Australia, Europe, nearly the entirety of the United States and even an African safari. Bottom line, Phyllis loved an adventure, which is why on her 80th birthday she ziplined through the beautiful Hocking Hills, another place dear to her heart.

If you had the privilege to have met Phyllis, her greatest trait was her genuine ability to love everyone equally and unconditionally. She showed her love in many ways, but perhaps is most known for her quilting, which brought her tremendous joy. If you were lucky enough to have received a handmade quilt from Phyllis, it was customized to you and designed with great thought and precision.

Phyllis also had a very special place in her heart for her four-legged dog friends, playing the piano and sitting in the sunshine just enjoying life.

Phyllis was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ. Faith was an important part of Phyllis’ life and one of her favorite scriptures is Psalm 139: 9-10. “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me fast.”

She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her loving husband, Thomas Lawyer; children, Barbara Foltz of Heath, OH, Jeff (Gina) Lawyer of Buckeye Lake, OH, Diane (Brad) Edwards of Goodyear, AZ, Greg (Rose) Lawyer of Upper Arlington, OH, Tim Hansel of Newark, OH, Karin Stradley of Newark, OH, Peter (Kay) Hansel of Columbus OH, Doug (Andrea) Lawyer of Knoxville, TN, and Andrea (Josh) Colvin of Marysville, OH; brother, Brian (Jan) Ward of Heath, OH, and sister, Maggie (Steve) Egri of Sausalito, CA.

The family is grateful to Genesis Home Hospice for the comfort and care that was provided to Phyllis in her final journey as she transitioned into her eternal life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. John’s United Church of Christ, 285 W. National Drive, Newark, OH 43055 in Phyllis’ memory.

To order flowers locally, please visit www.johnedwardpriceflowers.com/

To order memorial gifts please visit memorial-gifts-at-brucker-kishler.myshopify.com/