Phyllis Ann Rouse, affectionately known as “Memaw”, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the home of her son in South Fulton, Tennessee. The family finds comfort in knowing she was where she was happiest and had the most joy with her son whom she lovingly called “Baby Boy.” She was the daughter of the late Charles Alexander and the late Mary Margaret Williams Rucker. At the time of her passing, Phyllis had reached the age of 74 years, 7 months, and 7 days.
Phyllis had a servant’s heart who knew and loved the Lord. She was a member of House of Hope Ministries and a former member of New Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church in Paducah where she faithfully served in the choir and usher ministries.
Phyllis loved people and was a natural born caregiver. She opened her heart and her home to many people, both family and friends. However, her greatest joy came from being “Memaw.” She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly, and regardless of their age they were all her babies. She thought all her grandchildren looked “as beautiful as your Memaw.” To them, she hung the moon and made their world a perfect place. She kissed away many tears, hugged away lots of sadness, and healed many cuts, scrapes and ouches. She was their “shero.”
She was a hard worker and for many years Phyllis worked two jobs. She retired from Kmart after working several years in the women’s clothing department. She devoted over 30 years serving as a leasing agent and property manager at the Jackson House and W.B. Sanders Retirement Home before retiring.
She was a member of the West Kentucky Vocational School Alumni and the recipient of several awards and honors for her years of service and commitment to her community. Some honors she received include Kentucky Colonel, Duchess of Paducah, Manager of the Year (2010) for Housing and Urban Development in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Rosa Parks “Power of One” Award in 2023.
Preceding her in death were her spouse, Leon Rouse; her parents, Mary Margaret Williams Rucker and Charles Alexander; her stepfather, William Rucker; two brothers, Phillip Alexander and Jerry Rucker; three sisters, Kim McCarrell, Donna Vaughn, and Ponthola Harris; and two grandchildren, Reginae Faith Copper and Rakira Evon Copper.
Leaving behind to cherish sweet memories are her only son, Reginald Copper, Jr. of South Fulton, TN; two daughters, Jacqueline Copper and Regina Carter, both of Paducah, KY; one grandson, Jordan Carter of Paducah, KY; thirteen granddaughters, Alexys Campbell of Hampton, Va, Kierra (Devin) Burton of Fulton, KY, Chambry Callicott of Union City, TN; Treylyn Cole of Pueblo, CO, Serenity Copper and Akaviah Copper, both of South Fulton, TN, Jasmine Copper, Anitra Hill, Ronecia Galbreath, Aleyah Strong, Alexandria Copper, J’myiah Carter and Jada Carter, all of Paducah; fourteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Paul “Butch” Alexander of Cottage Grove, TN and Michael (Donna) Alexander of Peoria, IL; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral arrangements are scheduled for Sunday, March 3, 2024, 4:00 p.m. at the House of Hope Ministries with Reverend Michael Pryor officiating.
Family will receive friends at the church on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until the funeral hour.
Burial will follow on Monday, March 4, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at Maplelawn Park Cemetery.
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
