Phyllis Elizabeth VanNorstran

Phyllis Elizabeth VanNorstran was a woman whose life was defined by her love for the Lord, her family, and the countless people she touched along the way. She was so proud of her children and the family she and Van raised together, and she made sure that the legacy of her faith and love would carry on through them.

Phyllis often talked about how painfully shy she had been and how she had asked the Lord to give her boldness. And boy, did He ever give it to her! It was such a blessing to be in church services with her and witness that boldness firsthand. But she didn’t reserve it for the church or the ministry. Her ministry was everywhere she went. She would tell anyone she encountered about the Lord, how they could know Him, and how good He had been to her simply because she belonged to Him. She would get so excited anytime she talked about Jesus, and you could see just how much He meant to her. It had to take tremendous faith for someone who was once so painfully shy to ask the Lord for boldness, but she knew that was what she needed. I think that is such a beautiful testimony to her faith and her willingness to let the Lord work through her.

And right behind her love for the Lord was her love for Van. Not many people get to name their husband, but Phyllis did! If you knew her, that probably doesn’t surprise you. What you may not have known is that Van wasn’t actually his first name. She didn’t like the name Leonard, so she renamed him. Not every wife gets to do that, but she did, and I have always loved that story. Together, they raised an amazing family, and she made sure that the love and faith they built their home on would carry on for generations.

Phyllis had a way of ministering not only in song but also in Word. She was absolutely consumed with the Word of God. It was everywhere in her home, written in her own beautiful handwriting, and she read her Bible constantly. It wasn't just something she did; it was who she was. She also had the prettiest singing voice, and her harmony was angelic, especially when paired with Van's. I especially loved the way she would sing without her shoes on. She would say it was holy ground, and she was right. There was just something about having nothing between her and the ground that seemed to make her feel even closer to the Lord as she ministered. It was quite a sight to see. Phyllis never held anything back. That was simply who she was.

Someone once described her as the neighborhood mom. I've heard her nieces and nephews call her their second mom. To so many, she was simply Mama. And to her bus kids, she was Mrs. Van, a name she wore with so much love and pride. She absolutely cherished those children and would have gone back to that job right up until the very end if she had been able. She loved people, and she made sure they knew it. She was all about love.

That's how Jesus is. What a testimony to be compared to Him. That is what we all strive for, and Phyllis lived her life in a way that reflected that love. She left a piece of herself with so many people, and her influence will continue to be felt in the lives she touched.

For years, Phyllis spoke of a vision the Lord had given her of heaven. She described standing on a staircase and looking out over the the beauty of heaven. She spoke of it many times throughout the years, and now she is there. She is with Jesus and with all those loved ones who went on before her.

And while we will miss her more than words can express, we thank the Lord for the promise that we will see her again one day. What a comfort to know that the faith she lived so boldly is the same faith that gives us hope today.

Phyllis made her entry into heaven on Monday, September 28 surrounded by family singing her through the gates. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Van VanNorstran; her children: Robin “Cissy“ Terrell and husband Troy of Corbin, Bobby Hively and wife Cindy of Crossville, Tennessee, Ronnie VanNorstran, and wife Theresa of Keavy, Kentucky, Randy VanNorstran and wife, Trish of Corbin, Kentucky, and Josh VanNorstran and wife Christie of Lily, Kentucky. Richard Cecil and wife Chrissy of Avon Park, Florida.

Grandchildren: Shantaine Barton (Brandon), BG Hutton (Allison), Tommy Terrell, Vance Hively (Nina), Luke Hively (Jade), Matthew VanNorstran (Paula), Savanna Martin (Brandon), Sarai Johnson (Nick), Skye McKeehan (Devin) Hunter Graves, Sydney VanNorstran, Ryan Vannorstran, Caleb VanNorstran (Megan), Monica Cecil , Aubrey Cecil, Richard Cecil ll.

Great-grandchildren: Tyler Gregory (Bree), Promise Hicks (Cole), Mackenzie Hutton, Dawson Hutton, Parker Hutton, Trinity Frederick, Taylin Terrell, Sophia Hively, Sabrina Hively, Max Hively, Levi Martin, Maria VanNorstran, Adalyde Johnson, Camden Johnson, Walker McKeehan, Taytum VanNorstran, and Leonard “Leo” VanNorstran, III. She’s also survived by her sister, Barbara Lee (Rob) of Crossville, Tennessee, Sherry Lawson of Crossville, Tennessee, and Shonna Farr (Jeff) of Jamestown, Tennessee.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Beulah and Howard Lloyd of Corbin, father and mother-in-law Leonard and Bessie VanNorstran of Wartburg, Tennessee. Siblings: Harrison Lloyd of Huber Heights, Ohio, Mitchell Lloyd of Crossville, Tennessee, and Tommy Lloyd of Harlan, Kentucky. One great-grandson, Ryker Kaiden Johnson.

Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 pm on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where her funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm with Pastor Charlie Humfleet officiating.

Following the service, she will be laid to rest at McHargue Cemetery in Corbin, KY.

Arrangements are entrusted to Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com.