Phyllis Louise Moroney Oakley

Phyllis Louise Moroney Oakley

12/02/2021

Phyllis Louise Moroney Oakley, born April 4, 1926, passed away on December 2, 2021. Phyllis was born in Trafford , Pennsylvania. She married her husband, John in Miami in 1950. They raised their three children there. John worked for the Miami Fire Department, retiring in 1967 . Phyllis spent her career as the manager for the Miami Fireman’s Federal Credit Union. When she retired in 1980, they bought a piece of property in DeLeon Springs and built their dream home in the woods.

John passed away in 2004, and eventually Phyllis moved to DeLand where she was closer to her beloved church, First Church DeLand United Methodist Church. She was active in many aspects of her church’s ministry. Every Tuesday, she could be found volunteering for the Mercy Hour. On each Wednesday and during other special dinners, she was in the church kitchen, both serving and washing a multitude of pots and pans. She also sang in the church choir each Sunday with her dear church family.

When she wasn’t at church, she was volunteering twice a week at the DeLand Public Library. And when she was in her home, she spent countless hours knitting prayer shawls and caps for those in need. She could often be found watching rerun episodes of Gunsmoke, with a basket of yarn by her side.

Phyllis loved to host frequent dinner parties for her group of friends, and never turned down an opportunity to tell or hear a good joke or get or give a big hug. She will be remembered for her smiling face and those generous hugs.

Phyllis is survived by her children: James Oakley (Kathy), Largo, FL; Jerri Oakley Waller, DeLand, FL; and John Oakley (Suzanne), Tampa, FL. Grandchildren: James Stock (Daphanie), Murphy, NC; Jamie Oakley, (Largo, FL); Jason Waller (Cari), Baird, TX ; Nathan Waller (Tanya), Toney, AL; Erin Waller, Huntsville, AL; Jack Oakley Tampa, FL; and Gray Oakley, Deerfield Beach, FL. Great Grandchildren: Sarah and Kim Stock, Murphy, NC; Ariana Dahlstrom, Largo, FL; Emily and Lauren Waller, Baird, TX; and David Waller, Toney, AL.

A service of joy for Phyllis’ life well-lived will be held sometime after the first of the new year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to First Church Deland United Methodist Church or you may specify the “Mercy Hour” ministry.