Phyllis Arlene Garner, 83, passed away peacefully at Memorial West Continuing Care Hospital on August 28, 2021. She had just celebrated her 83rd birthday.

She was born June 29, 1938 in Houston, Texas to Otto Earl Dampier and Angel (May) Dampier. Phyllis met the love of her life, David Clayton “Red” Garner, at The Winkler Drive In, Houston, Texas. Shortly thereafter, they began their long, loving life together when they married at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Park Place in Houston, Texas on April 26, 1956. Together, they enjoyed a wonderful marriage of 65 years.

She attended Greek School as a young girl as well as Deede Middle School and graduated from Milby High School in 1956. Phyllis was born and raised in Houston. Phyllis worked various jobs throughout her young life. She worked at First National Bank as the bank secretary in Houston, and was a bookkeeper for John Deere in Katy, Texas, but her favorite job was always being a devoted wife and Mom.

 She also had a flair for entertaining and cooking. Her favorite times to entertain were the holidays. She also enjoyed spending her summers as a team mom for the local little leagues. Phyllis was a dedicated wife and mother first and foremost. She treasured her husband and children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Meme. She looked forward to reading the Calico Cat and the Duel to both her granddaughters. She never smiled brighter than when she was greeted by one of her grandchildren walking through the door.

At their home in Katy, she played endless games of cards, hosted several breakfast get-togethers after the Knights of Columbus dances, attended countless school performances, ceremonies and dance recitals, hosted Easter Egg Hunts in her front yard and the family’s annual New Year’s and Thanksgiving dinners. She made sure that all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew they were loved deeply and unconditionally.

She was an avid reader and she really enjoyed playing cards at the Senior Citizens Place. She loved travelling to various places with the family; especially, cruising to various ports. She loved the trips with Happy Hearts to the casinos in Louisiana. She also loved gardening with Dad and planting her mint to cook with. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, David “Red” Garner, of Katy; son, David Wayne Garner and wife Sharon of Lake Charles, Louisiana; daughter, Wendy Gail Hankins and husband Kurt of Sweeny, Texas; she was the adored Meme of Kendy Hope Hankins, and Cindy Garner Fullerton and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Gail Gaidosek. Family and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Sunday, September 5th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Schmidt Funeral Home at 1344 W. Grand Parkway South, Katy, Texas 77494.

Her Celebration of Life Service (funeral) will follow on Tuesday, September 7 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; 5373 Franz Road, Katy, Texas 77493.

Immediately following the service, we will travel to South Park Funeral Home in Pearland where Interment will start at 11:00 am. Pallbearers will be David Garner, Kurt Hankins, Larry Gaidosek, Johnny Gaidosek, Doug Loy and Mike Pilcik.

Final arrangements will be made at Schmidt Funeral Home, (281)391-2424. You can send online condolences to the family at www.schmidtfunerhome.net