Phyllis Dean Caswell, 90, of Williamsburg, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 26, 2020, at her home surrounded by her beloved family. Phyllis was born in Evansville, Indiana, to Rex and Coda Caswell.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Kuykendall; and sons, Steven L. Burch and James E. Guilliams Jr.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, R. Jayne Burch Call, Shannon K. Heidelberg and Fred R. Guilliams; five precious grandchildren, Bryan Latimer (Alexandra), Bryce Burch, Kaitlyn Burch Loveday (Chris), James Heidelberg Jr. and Wayne Call; two brothers, Fred Caswell of Illinois and Don Caswell (Bebe) of California; three beautiful great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Phyllis had a servant’s heart and one of her most beloved accomplishments was the successful start-up of the Newport News Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program which advocates for the best interests of children involved in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. At the culmination of her 15-year tenure in March 2004, the program had already helped over 2,000 children and continues to grow daily. She had a proud and patriotic heart and served time in the Civil Air Patrol as well.
Phyllis was a practicing Catholic and a member of St. Olaf Catholic Church. In her retirement, she enjoyed researching genealogy and travelling the world with her cousin and lifelong best friend, Phyllis-Ruth Jamison of Booneville, Indiana. She loved her pets, flower gardens, and watching wild birds in her backyard.
Phyllis would like to recognize and show appreciation for those close to her later in life, including friends and neighbors who offered her their time and love, James Rash, Brenda Fordham, Teresa Louden, Anna Reyes, Monica Piette, Phillip Clarke IV, Rose Revels and James Harp, among many others.
A celebration of life will be held at her home. The date will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Heritage Humane Society, Williamsburg, in her name.
