Phyllis Whitesides Cauthen

November 7, 1936   -   January 18,  2023  Phyllis Whitesides Cauthen passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, January 18th,  2023. She was 86. Phyllis was born the eldest of three daughters to Herbert Whitesides and Ruth (Crafton) Whitesides in North Belmont, NC on 11/07/1936. Her family settled in Fort Mill, SC in 1946. Phyllis, or "Girley" as she was known to her friends played girls basketball for the Fort Mill High School Yellow Jackets. She graduated in 1955. She dated and then married her former classmate, John Douglas Cauthen in February of 1957 after he returned from the Air Force. Son Mark was born in 1959 and daughter Jennifer in 1966. John's job with IBM allowed the family the opportunity to live in different cities. While living in Montgomery, AL in the 1970’s Phyllis became active in and was elected President of the League of Women Voters.

She and John enjoyed playing golf and traveling during thier marriage. A trip to Puerto Rico in 1976 was a particular favorite. Phyllis was an avid gardener and had a green thumb with vegetables and flowers alike. She had a love of reading her whole life. She shared that love with her children and grandchildren. Her greatest joy in life was her grandchildren. She and John retired to Knoxville, TN in 1999 to be near their granddaughters, Kayleigh and Amanda. Phyllis volunteered at Cedar Bluff Primary by reading to not only the girls classes, but as many other classes as she could. She and John even started a chess club for the students. Phyllis loved people and never met a stranger. If you ever sat next to her on an airplane you may as well have settled in to talk because she was going to talk to you! As a result she met many interesting people from all over the world.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Ruth and her loving husband of over 50 years, John Douglas Cauthen. She is survived by her son, Mark Douglas Cauthen, daughter Jennifer Cauthen Olson and her husband Todd Olson, granddaughters, Kayleigh Cauthen Olson, and Amanda Lee Olson, all of Knoxville. She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Kay Gibson and Brenda Stowe, both of Fort Mill, SC, and a host of nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved little dog, Max. A gathering of friends and family will be held Wednesday, January 25th from 4 – 6 at Click Funeral Home, 9020 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville to celebrate her life. Please drop in as you are to share stories and memories of Phyllis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.