Phyllis Jean Elftmann

Phyllis Jean Elftmann, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt passed away on August 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. Born February 9, 1938, in Fredericktown, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Earl Mullins and Edna Geraldine Russell Aldrich. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Phyllis had a zest for life that was truly infectious. She was known for her boundless energy, unwavering compassion, and remarkable generosity. Her warm smile and kind heart touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

One of Phyllis's greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were the apple of her eye, and she treasured every moment she shared with them. Whether vacationing together or simply enjoying each other's company, Phyllis's love for her grandchildren knew no bounds.

In addition to being a devoted grandmother, Phyllis was a talented painter and had a passion for crafts and decorating. Her creativity and artistic spirit shone through in everything she did, bringing beauty and joy to those around her.

Phyllis served as a Sunday School teacher and was a dedicated member of Two Rivers Baptist Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and bringing her comfort and strength.  She was a longtime medical transcriptionist with The Pathology Group at Summit Medical Center having worked there from 1983 thru 2018.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Meryle Elftmann; infant sister Mary Louise Mullins; grandchildren Brittney Payne, Melanie Payne, and Brandon Payne.

Phyllis is survived by her son, Barry (Kelly) Elftmann; her daughter, Kimberly (Terry) Payne; her sisters, Charlotte Gray and Ruth Wallace; brothers, Tommy Mullins, Russell Mullins, Raymond (Rena) Mullins, and Earl (Suzanne) Mullins. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Todd (Amber) Bell, Alicia (Torrey) Zimmerman, Jeremy (Sabrina) Bell, Laura (Jody) Thompson, Haley (Ramey) Bateman, and Dallas Elftmann; great-grandchildren Sawyer Bell, Aden Payne, Addilyn Zimmerman, Kaylin Bell, Abigail Bell, Josiah Thompson, River Bell, Hadley Thompson, and Meadow Bateman; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A visitation in memory of Phyllis will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. A Celebration of Life with Pastor Alan Fyke officiating will take place the following day, Friday, August 16, 2024, starting at 12:00 PM. The family will welcome friends and visitors one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Goodlettsville.  Pallbearers will be Todd Bell, Jeremy Bell, Dallas Elftmann, Ramey Bateman, Torrey Zimmerman, Jody Thompson, Aden Payne, and Sawyer Bell.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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Funeral arrangements entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home - Goodlettsville.