The Obituary

Very quietly and mercifully on Saturday, May 13, 2023, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom, gently called our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law, and loving friend to his eternal kingdom at 96 years old.

On August 12,1926 Phyllis Anita Logan was born to the Late Reverend and Mrs. John R. Logan Sr. of St. Simon Cyrenian Church of Philadelphia, Pa. She was the youngest of nine children born to the couple. She was a quiet child, known to be attached to her mother's hip. Her big sister Doris was truly her best friend, and their bond of sisterhood was unbreakable.

Phyllis was baptized and confirmed at St. Simon Church in 1941. She taught Sunday School for several years and was a member of the Acolyte Sponsors. As a member of the Acolyte Sponsor, she served as the secretary, vice president, and president from 1970-1989. She also served on the Vestry and was president of the ECW in 1993. Phyllis also started a tutoring program at St. Simon Church. She worshiped her entire life at St. Simon Church and adored her father John Logan Sr. and her brother John Logan Jr. for their leadership at St Simon Church. She enjoyed singing all the church hymns and her favorite was "It Is Well With My Soul". She was known as a hard worker, volunteer, and always available to help. She was also known as an "Uber Driver "before Uber was a thing and giving church members a ride home. She loved her church and her church family.

Phyllis attended the Philadelphia Public Schools and graduated from Southern High School for Girls in 1944. She continued her education at Virginia State College in Petersburg Va., where she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1945. After completing 2 years at Virginia State College, she transferred to Cheyney State College (Cheyney University) in Pa. Phyllis enjoyed attending Cheyney and loved living on campus. She would attend sorority chapter meetings in Philadelphia while living on campus. In her junior year she was Vice President of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter. In her senior year she was crowned Miss Homecoming Queen. Phyllis graduated from Cheyney University in January 1949 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics, followed by a master's degree from Arcadia University. Phyllis started her teaching career with the Philadelphia School District at the Raymond Rosen Child Center. She continued working as a Home Economics teacher until she retired from Finletter Elementary School in 1989.

In August 1950, Phyllis married James R. Farrow Jr. (Bud). From this union they were blessed with three children, Bonnie, Carmen, and Anthony. In 1970 she married Russell Simms and formed a special bond with her stepdaughters, Pattie Bloom, and Linda Waples. Phyllis was a selfless mother, who raised her three children on the Word of God. She was protective of her children and instilled in them the importance of education. She worked hard to provide for them and was so proud of her children. They were by her side, caring for her until the very end.

Her GREATEST joy was spending time during summer months at the beach in Cape May with her grandchildren. She enjoyed spoiling them with her time and gifts. She was blessed to help raise her great grandchildren who brought her even more joy. We would often wonder where she would find the energy to play hide-n-seek with them. Even at 96 years old you would find Phyllis walking the neighborhood with her walker pretending to race her great grandson. The children brought excitement and unfound joy to her life, and in return they have a treasure chest of good memories, laughs, and lessons to navigate throughout their life.

Phyllis lived a full and vibrant life. She lived without sickness and was blessed to have a family who adored and respected her. She was a true example of a faithful servant of God. Her gift of kindness did not go unnoticed from all the people she visited in the nursing homes, or the people she supported through school, and by the love donations to cancer research or "save the animals". Her love of travel gave her opportunity to see and meet people of different cultures. Her most memorable trip was traveling to China where she admired all their traditions, culture, and history. She often talked about her trips she took with her brother Tom and sister-in-law Hermonie Logan. One of her many pleasures was sending friends and family birthday cards to express her love. She also loved writing letters to keep in touch with everyone both near and far. She enjoyed serving mankind with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., which she did for seventy-eight years. She was recognized by and celebrated by Omega Omega Chapter as Diamond Soror with lifetime membership in March of 2023.

She was a praying woman who worshipped the spirit of God and walked by faith everyday of her life. Her last words were indeed "The Lord's Prayer". It is without doubt that she is resting in peace in the Kingdom of Heaven. It is her will to keep the family traditions going, for family meant EVERYTHING to her.

Family who went before

Phyllis was the youngest of nine children. Phyllis is preceded in death by; (6) brothers, John, Thomas, Raymond, Leonard, Wendell, George and (2) sisters, Marion, and Doris.

Family she left behind

Phyllis leaves to cherish her memory…. three children Bonnie Farrow Gibson, Carmen Wilson (Bernard), Anthony Farrow (Diana). Six grandchildren, Akeila Glenn, Jibri Bond (Sacha), Jamila Sanders (Shaheed), Neisha Massey, Paityn Farrow, Sidney Farrow. Eight great grandchildren, A'Miya Lewis, Justin Sanders, Jaden Sanders, Julian Sanders, Aaquor Moses, Zoe Bond, Tori Bond, Jordan Sanders. Two sisters-in-laws Anita Farrow, and Norma Albertson. A host of nieces and nephews, two stepdaughters, Linda Waples and Pattie Bloom, two close friends Erma Lampkin and Ola Bass and eight Godchildren.