Phyllis McArthur was one of a kind. Whether you knew her as Mom, Sister, Aunt Phyllis, Miss Phyllis or (her favorite moniker) Grandma Mac, you knew one thing: In her presence you knew you were loved and cared for.

Throughout her life she was well-known for her devoted service to others, her love for her family, her unwavering faith, and her light-hearted sense of humor. She was a nurturer. A partner. A teacher. A prayer warrior. A servant. An advocate. And a master party thrower! Today, we wear her favorite color (pink!), in ultimate celebration of her much-deserved heavenly homecoming.

Phyllis Juanita Jameson was born on August 8, 1928, in Quapaw, Oklahoma, to Robert Eldee Jameson and Mary Addye Vaughan Jameson. She was born the third child of six children and would eventually have three brothers and two sisters. The family jokes that she was so special, her parents couldn't find just any name to fit her, so they called her "Baby Girl" for three months before deciding on Phyllis.

The family settled near Geary, Oklahoma, where they lived in a tent by the river until their house was completed. The property became a sustainable wheat and cattle farm.

Both the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl occurred in her earliest years, which forced many Oklahoma families to lose their farms. Looking back, the survival of their family farm was always a source of pride for Phyllis.

Phyllis grew up in Geary and graduated from Geary High School. She attended the family church, Coleman Chapel, where one day, a singing quartet from Bethany Peniel College came to visit. Phyllis caught the eye of handsome tenor, Glen McArthur, from Sharon, Oklahoma. The rest, they say, is history.

The couple began dating and after high school graduation, she joined Glen at Bethany Peniel College until he graduated. Phyllis graduated with a Home Economics degree in 1950 and taught Home Economics for one year in Custer City, Oklahoma.

Nicknaming him "Mac," Glen became the love of her life, and he adored her just as much. On August 19, 1951, they married on the porch of her parents' Geary home. From that point on, their lives became inseparable.

Phyllis was a devoted partner to Mac and supported him in all his endeavors. With the help of Army funding, Mac pursued his medical degree and PhD. They lived in Bethany, and she taught 3rd grade at Earl Harris (Bethany) Elementary School.

Mac began an Army internship at Fort Benning, Georgia, where they welcomed their first child, Robert, in 1958. They moved to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and in 1960, their daughter, Glynna, was born. Mac completed his medical residency in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The family settled in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and Mac became an integral part of a new and thriving arthritis clinic. Phyllis was so proud of Mac, and together they made Ardmore a place of flourishing for their kids.

Phyllis devoted her time to her children and was very involved in their lives. She was deeply committed to their education and encouraged an interest in music through lessons and participation in band—even though, as her children fondly noted, "she couldn't carry a tune in a bucket."

Phyllis spent many years in the PTA and the Band Booster Club, and loved opening her home as a safe place for groups of kids and teenagers to hang out.

Above all, faith and service would become markers of their shared life. Generations of believers were introduced to Jesus as a result. Mac and Phyllis diligently served at Ardmore First Church of the Nazarene for nearly 50 years. Phyllis taught the high school Sunday School class for 48 years, directed Vacation Bible School for 25 years, assisted as church secretary, and served on the local and district missions boards. The couple also organized mission trips to Mexico to share the gospel and provide basic medical services to rural communities.

Phyllis always had an eye out for people who needed a little extra help. She would often mentor young adults at the church and once, she even learned Braille to create Sunday School lessons for a girl who was blind. Known for her warm hospitality, she loved to host wedding and baby showers and bandage rolling parties for overseas missions at her home.

Well-connected in the Ardmore community, Phyllis sought ways to fill local needs, such as founding a sheltered workshop called Sunshine Industries for young adults with developmental challenges. The workshop allowed participants to gain job skills and earn money for greater independence.

Every Friday, for 43 years, Phyllis served as a "Pink Lady" with the Ardmore Hospital Axillary, where she was a charter member and served as president. She loved to volunteer as a greeter and gift shop clerk and was a treasured presence in the hospital.

As grandchildren came along, Phyllis and Mac committed to be a supportive presence in their lives. When Robert's twin daughters were born while he was in medical school, she generously moved in with Donna for six months to help care for them and their big sister. Every single grandchild was important to her and Mac. Together, they attended countless concerts, special events and graduations. The grandkids can attest that birthday cards and random chats were her superpowers.

Glen was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1989. Phyllis cared for him ceaselessly with diligence and compassion. He succumbed to the disease in 2009, just short of their 58th wedding anniversary. She would mourn him deeply for the rest of her life.

When Phyllis moved into Concordia Life Care Center, she became known as a social butterfly with her neighbors and quickly became a staff favorite. Her daughter Glynna and son Robert faithfully visited her and kept her connected to the people she loved.

Phyllis collected Precious Moments, was an avid reader, loved peanut M&Ms and Dr. Pepper, and enjoyed puzzles. She loved bright, cheerful colors and always had on a sweater because she was cold. She was known to sing a silly song or say phrases such as "piffle diffle," "oh, fiddlesticks," and "whoopsy-daisy."

She was joy and light to everyone she met.

Phyllis passed into the arms of her beloved Jesus on February 17, 2026, at the age of 97. She died peacefully, covered in the prayers and singing of her children and grandchildren.

Reunited with Glen at last, we rejoice as they rest with their Heavenly Father in eternal peace. We know with confidence she can repeat David's words in Psalm 17: "…I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied with your presence."

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Amalie Moore; brothers, Lee-Roy Jameson, Herman (Dee) Jameson, and Hubert Jameson; and husband, Glen McArthur.

She is survived by her sister, Carole Boomer; son, Robert McArthur and wife Donna (Norman, Oklahoma); daughter, Glynna McArthur Poff and husband Doug (Oklahoma City, OK); six grandchildren, Rachel Weaver (Jimmie), Sara Wilson (Teddy), Rebecca White (Craig), Laura Kessler (Brian), Bryan Poff (Macey), Tucker Poff; and 15 great-grandchildren, Ella (Etta) Weaver, Aubrey Weaver, James Weaver, Oliver Weaver, Paxton Kessler, Paisley Kessler, Shepherd Kessler, Sullivan Kessler, Rose Wilson, Miles Wilson, Emily White, Samuel White, Leo White, Eli Poff and Gentry Poff.

Viewing at Mercer-Adams is Friday, 12-8pm with family present from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, February 21 at 11:00am. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Ardmore, Oklahoma at 3:00pm