Phyllis Castings

KNOXVILLE Phyllis Maxine Castings, 90, passed away Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013 at her residence. She was of the Episcopalian faith and was an active member of the Altar Guild and the Lunch Bunch of The Episcopal Church of The Ascension of Knoxville, Tenn. Mrs. Castings was a volunteer for FISH, and a volunteer for Florence Crittendon. She attended East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn., and Tennessee Wesleyan College of Athens, Tenn.She was preceded in death by her loving husband, George Castings, Jr., whom she met when he landed his airplane in a field next to her house while out "barnstorming" in Meigs County, Tenn. This chance encounter led to not only her ensuing marriage to George, but also the marriage of her cousin Betty to George's friend Reese who became part of the barter to gain a date with young Mrs. Castings. She was also preceded in death by her parents, George Dewey and Grace Lee Powell Grubb; and brothers, Kenneth and Willard Grubb; Her father and mother-in-law George Castings, Sr. and Lena Light Castings also preceded her in death.She is survived by her children, Cheryl Castings Puryear and husband Paul, of Knoxville, Mary Elizabeth Neas, of Knoxville, and George Anne Castings Clabough and husband Steve, of Knoxville; grandchildren, Stefan Puryear and wife Tonja, of Chatsworth, Ga., Samantha Neas, of Knoxville, Ashlee Steele and husband Kevin, of Knoxville, and Chadd Clabough, of Knoxville; great-grandchildren, Destiny Puryear, Max Puryear, Drew Puryear, and Conner Steele, several nieces, nephews, and extended family also survive. Mrs. Castings is also survived by special friend Michael Roberts, of Knoxville, Patsy Kitchens, of Cleveland, and Darlene Clark, Betty Corey, and Father Rob of The Episcopal Church of The Ascension. The family also wishes to give a special thank you to caregivers, Tracie Hitt, Tamra Benson, Brandi Ross, Lindsey Wilson, Ashley Jordan, Delbra Mills, Angel, Joy, and Elizabeth. Thanks is also given to her hospice nurses, Brenda, Ashley, and Clarissa.A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of The Ascension, in Knoxville, TN., with Father Rob officiating. A reception will follow in the parish hall of the church.The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your individual choice of charities.An inurnment will be held on Sunday, Feb. 10, at 3:30 p.m. at Fort Hill Cemetery in Cleveland, TN. Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LLC is in charge of arrangements. We invite you to view the Castings family guestbook and leave a message of condolence at www.serenityfunerals.com