Phyllis Maurine (Van Veld) Tobey

Phyllis Maurine (Van Veld) Tobey, 90, of High Point, NC passed away peacefully in her home on October 1, 2017.

Phyllis was born in Crown Point, Indiana, on May 10, 1927, to Tunis and Myrtle (Horn) Van Veld.  Her family later moved to Hebron, Indiana, where she graduated from Hebron High School in 1945.  She attended Purdue University, then transferred to the University of Michigan, where she earned a degree in Child Psychology.

A mother of four, Phyllis loved her children unconditionally and considered them God’s greatest blessing.  She was additionally a beloved sister, favorite aunt, loving grandmother and true friend, to so many.  She had friends of all ages throughout her life, most being younger than her.  Even at 90, she didn’t consider herself “old”.

A gifted conversationalist, Phyllis had a sharp wit which was displayed in her loving, yet playful spirit.  She had a presence about her that compelled people to want to spend time with her. She made everyone feel truly special.  The love she extended to others filled a void in some close to her, who often remarked that she was the mother they never had. 

Phyllis was ahead of her time in many ways, which resulted in many interests, all of which she excelled in.  She was well read, a gourmet cook, a talented interior decorator, and an accomplished artist in many mediums: watercolors, sewing, hooked and braided rugs, and fine knitting, including her special knit Christmas stockings.

Her work career started at the Frick Art Reference Library, due to her love of art, then social work, her profession.  She was a social worker in tough inner-city neighborhoods in Northern Indiana. She also taught first and fifth grades, worked in food stamp administration, and her favorite job – supervising the foster care adoption program for the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina.

Phyllis’ Christian faith was of utmost importance to her.  She made Jesus Christ Lord of her life in her mid-forties, and shared the gospel message of the Bible from that time on.  She also loved her country and was grateful for all it provided.

Surviving family include her four children: Chris (Winnie) Logan, Rachel (Roger) Page, Rebecca (Patrick) Cooley, and Noel (Kelly) Van Veld; ten grandchildren: Christopher (Kelsey) Logan, Joshua (Amy) Logan, Emily (Joe) Timmer, Anna Logan, Jessup Cooley, Elspeth Cooley, Laurel Cooley, Rachel Van Veld, Grace Logan and Winnie Logan; one great grandchild, Maya Logan; sister: Donna Ingram (Duane Ingram deceased); brother: David Van Veld (Susan), sister: Norma Van Veld (Robert Van Veld, deceased) as well as numerous adoring nieces and nephews.

Phyllis’ family is deeply grateful for her wonderful caregivers, Sandra Southard and Trish Everett.  The love and care they showed her was above and beyond what any family could ask for.  They were aided by the gracious, incredible support provided by Hospice of the Piedmont.

Phyllis loved flowers, but if friends prefer to make a donation in her memory, please donate to Samaritan’s Purse, which was one of her favorite charities. A memorial page has been set up in her honor.  https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/phyllis-maurine-van-veld-tobey-high-point-nc

Visitation will be on Friday, October 6, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. at Cumby Family Funeral Service, 1015 Eastchester Dr., High Point, NC 27262. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 12:00 pm at Grace Church, 1141 Enterprise Dr., High Point, NC 27260. Pastor Rodney Odom will be officiating her service. A graveside service, followed by Interment will immediately follow at Floral Garden Park Cemetery, 1730 English Rd, High Point, NC 27262.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cumbyfuneral.com.

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