Phyllis Jeanette Lent's Obituary
Phyllis Jeanette Lent, age 92, of Chattahoochee, Florida, passed away on August 12, 2023,
while under hospice care in Tallahassee.
Phyllis Lent was born on August 30, 1930, to Raymond and Margaret (nee Beller) Smith in
Chino, California. She was predeceased by her parents, her stepmother, Bonniebell Wells,
sisters Gladys and Peggy, brother Richard, grandson Louree Russell, and her husband of thirty-four years, Thomas (Tim) Andrew Lent. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Royalty and
Judith Naimiyazdi, her grandchildren, Joyce Russell Hoffman, Richard Russell, and Wendy Star Royalty, and her great granddaughters, Autumn, Kayti, and Devaney. Others whom she
considered to be family include Tim’s grandchildren: Catherine Toole Duncan, James and Michael Toole, and Jenevieve Lent, as well as Tim’s children, James Lent and Dr. Paula Lent
(predeceased). Special mention goes to Phyllis’s oldest stepdaughter, Susan Lent Toole, who
served as her supporter, caretaker, chauffeur, financial advisor, ice-cream deliverer, and all-
around assistant through very difficult times.
After graduating from Pomona High School in 1948, Phyllis worked in a toy store while raising
two daughters by her first husband. Following their divorce, Phyllis landed a job as Snack Bar
Manager for San Antonio Community College. Later she became floor manager for Rainbird
Sprinklers; she retired as an accountant for Williams Furnace Company. When not working,
Phyllis volunteered tirelessly for various organizations including the American Legion, the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Moose Lodge, and the Elks Club.
While working and raising her family, Phyllis pursued her passion for needle arts. She was a
skilled seamstress who sewed complete wardrobes for her daughters every Christmas in
addition to making costumes and outfits for her family and others. In 2000 she was awarded a
blue ribbon for her design and execution of a vacuum cover doll from one of the largest county fairs in the country (Los Angeles County Fair). When macular degeneration took her sight soon after, she switched her craft to crocheting lap blankets for those in need. Phyllis truly believed in community service, and although legally blind, she managed to crochet over a hundred blankets for different organizations including Long Beach Veterans Hospital, Big Bend Hospice, of Tallahassee, and American Legion Woman’s Auxiliary Unit 13.
Phyllis and Thomas Lent moved from California to Chattahoochee, Florida, in 2006. They were
communicants of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Quincy. Phyllis will be interred next to Thomas at Hillcrest Cemetery in Quincy, Florida. A graveside service will be held at 3PM on Sunday, August 27.
“Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:31
What’s your fondest memory of Phyllis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Phyllis?
Share a story where Phyllis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Phyllis you’ll never forget.
How did Phyllis make you smile?
