Phyllis Strickland Hewett

Phyllis S. Hewett, 77, a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother and wife of the late James L. (Jimmy) Hewett, III, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 11, 2020. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, James (Jimmy) Hewett, III on October 31, 2016 and by their younger son, Sean C. Hewett, who passed away May 24, 1995. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Dwight O. Strickland and her parents, Oliver B. and Bennie Nell Strickland.

Phyllis was born in Savannah, GA, December 16, 1942, At age of two years, with her parents, she moved to Augusta, GA, where she lived until her fifth grade in grammar school. At that time, her family moved to Thomson, GA. Phyllis enjoyed living in Thomson, making many friends, attending First Baptist Church of Thomson where her family supported its activities and mission.

In the summer before her Senior year at Thomson High School, Phyllis’ father transferred again with Georgia Power Co. to Augusta, GA. The family began attending Crawford Ave. Baptist Church, where she met the love of her life, Jimmy Hewett, who later became her husband.

Phyllis is survived by a daughter, Phyllis Love Swain (Mark) of Evans, GA,; a son, James L. Hewett, IV (Joette) of Lancaster, SC; two grandsons, Phillip Mark Swain (Jordan) of Appling, GA, Brett David Swain of Evans, GA; two granddaughters, Jessica Rose Rhyne (Max) and Claire Elizabeth Hewett, both of Lancaster, SC; one great granddaughter, Blakely Rose Swain, and another great-granddaughter, Jamie Frances Swain, due in August 2020. She is also survived by a sister Judith Kirkland (Larry) of Grovetown, GA

Phyllis graduated from Academy of Richmond County with honors, a member of the National Beta Club, attended Augusta Junior College where she was on the Dean’s List. Later she graduated from Phillips College, Augusta, GA, with an Executive Secretarial Degree.

Phyllis and Jimmy were married at Crawford Ave. Baptist Church; Augusta, GA on Sept. 9, 1961. They were members and began raising their children there. Phyllis taught a teenage girls’ Bible Study Class, later, Adult Ladies’ Classes, worked with Acteens and Vacation Bible Schools. Phyllis’ primary goal was caring for her family and children and supporting the churches which the family attended. After moving to Martinez, GA, the family became members of several churches, lastly Warren Baptist Church, where they enjoyed the fellowship of many friends and supported various ministries.

In her early years, Phyllis loved cooking, gardening, crafts, decorating, sewing for the family, celebrating family birthdays, Holidays, going on vacations, especially at the beach with the family. She enjoyed daily Bible Study at home. She prayed for her family members, her church, acquaintances as each had special needs.

In her later years, one thing she treasured daily was her prayer life which enabled her to feel God’s Spirit, love and care. She felt blessed to have been able to see answered prayers, with either a “Yes” or a “No” or a “Wait a while”. But to see God’s working His good in everything in His will was confirmation of His love for her family and her.

If she had one thing she would like to be remembered for, it would be: “She prayed.” Though, on looking back, she rued her many shortcomings, she was so thankful for her Heavenly Father’s forgiveness and the beautiful memories He afforded her in her life. She gave of herself, as she was able, to her family, friends, Church and others whom she encountered- through Christ’s love and strength.

A graveside service will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 15, 2020 in Bellevue Memorial Gardens.