Phyllis Brown Gault, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2017 at the age of 95. She was born on April 10, 1922 in Orangeville, Texas and grew up during the great depression on the nearby farm, first settled by her family in 1855. She attended elementary school in a three-room schoolhouse, and graduated from Whitewright High School at 16. She earned a Bachelor Degree from Texas State College for Women (later Texas Women’s University) in Denton, where she majored in Home Economics with a minor in Science while working to earn her tuition. Upon graduating in 1942, Phyllis became a teacher, first in Canton, Texas and later in Dallas. With the outbreak of World War II, she was recruited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to work in Indianapolis, Indiana. She assisted the war effort as an inspector of food and agricultural products being purchased for the armed forces, traveling throughout the country to ensure the quality and safety of food for our military. While in Indianapolis, she met Wayne C. Gault of North Jackson, Ohio, and they were married in the chapel at TWU in Denton in 1944. After the war, Wayne went to work with the railroad, which took them to Kansas City, Missouri; El Reno, Oklahoma; Dallas, and ultimately Houston, Texas.
While in Dallas, Phyllis worked at Southern Methodist University as a teacher of home economics while raising three kids, serving as Cub Scout Den Mother, and participating in church and community activities. In 1961 the family moved to Houston, where Wayne took a position as an executive with the Houston Belt and Terminal Railroad.
With her engaging and outgoing personality, Phyllis was loved by many, and always heavily involved in many community and philanthropic activities. She always gave generously of her time and talents. She was a loyal and devoted member of Saint Paul Presbyterian Church for over 55 years, and worked in numerous volunteer capacities in service to the church. She was a long-time member of the Houston Women of Rotary Club, serving in many leadership positions including President, and was a member and officer of the Houston Camellia Society for many years. Phyllis also was President of Houston Engineering & Science Society, and chair of the scholarship committee to raise funds and award college scholarships to deserving high school students. She also served in leadership roles in the home economics club HAHEHC. She also served as an officer in the Texas Women’s University Alumni group, and as a role model for other TWU graduates. In 2002 she was honored by Governor Rick Perry as a “Yellow Rose of Texas” recipient.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband of over 65 years, Wayne Clark Gault; parents, Tom Watson Brown and Bertha Pruitt Brown; sister, Mary Ellen Nall; brother, Thomas Brown. She is survived by son, Jeff and wife Rose Gault; daughter, Alice and husband William Gamble; son, Roger and wife Marena Gault; grandchildren, Jacqueline Godefroy, John and Claire Gault, Christine and Catherine Gamble, Marielle and William LeMasters; great-grandchildren, Josie Matheson, Connor Hickenbottom; great-great-grandson River Matheson.
Phyllis touched many lives and was loved by all who knew her. She was a true southern lady, always exhibiting grace and compassion and was a wise and loving mother and spouse. She will always be remembered for touching so many with her generosity and vibrant, caring personality. The family is especially grateful for the caregivers of Temporary Home Care and for their compassionate care during Phyllis’s last days.
A Celebration on Life will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 5308 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, Texas 77005.
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