Phyllis Sizemore
Phyllis Sizemore, 81, of White Sulphur Springs, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
Phyllis was born August 18, 1944, in Waynesboro, VA, to the late Lester Riley and Virginia Lilly.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, Gerald William Sizemore; sister, Carol Kelly; brother, Keith Lilly; son-in-law, Lantie Cole; and ex-husband, Marshal Gabbert.
Phyllis was a graduate of White Sulphur Springs High School. Early in life, she embraced what she considered the most important role of all — being a stay-at-home mother, where she did some of her best and most meaningful work. She later worked at the Hanover Shoe Factory in White Sulphur Springs as a foreman responsible for inspecting the finished product.
After moving to Princeton, WV, she worked at the county jail as the head cook, where she perfected the amazing home-cooked meals that so many came to love. During this same time, she and her best friend and partner in life, Gerald, began their venture as entrepreneurs and became self-employed business owners. They first opened the Boot Scootin Lounge in Princeton, where they hosted performances by some of Nashville’s biggest names.
Phyllis and Gerald later opened the Mountain State Regular Veterans Association Post #219 Bingo in White Sulphur Springs, where they proudly served the community for more than 25 years. They also owned and operated Riley’s Restaurant in White Sulphur Springs for several years, where they enjoyed making new friends with each guest. Following the flood of 2016, Phyllis and Gerald retired and spent as much time as possible enjoying life together and with their family.
Phyllis was a member of Bethesda Church and loved attending whenever her health allowed.
Phyllis was one of the kindest souls you could ever meet. She never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. She had a big personality, an infectious smile, and a heart that loved everyone — especially the love of her life, Gerald, to whom she was married for more than 43 years. Known affectionately by those closest to her as “the Queen,” she was strong-willed, sassy, and never afraid to say exactly what she thought. She liked things done her way and expected them done right. Beneath that strength, however, was a generous and compassionate heart. She was known for her kindness and would often give the shirt off her own back to help someone in need.
After many years of battling numerous ailments and enduring multiple surgeries, Phyllis is finally at peace — no longer suffering and free from pain.
Phyllis will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives she touched with a smile, a kind word, or a friendly gesture.
She is survived by her daughters, Sonja Cole of White Sulphur Springs and Tracy Persinger and husband, Doug, of White Sulphur Springs; son, Ray Gabbert and wife, Dee Dee, of Frankford; grandchildren, Brianna Maydian and husband, Matt, of Covington, VA; Madison Valladares and husband, Alex, of White Sulphur Springs; Devin Persinger and wife, Amber, of White Sulphur Springs; Lanti Damon and Stevie of Fairlea; Megan McCoy and Demon Gary of Ronceverte; Courtney Cole and Ashley of Lewisburg; Chelsea Brumfield and husband, Chris, of Lewisburg; and Chavis Gabbert of Frankford.
She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Ayden and River Maydian; Ella and Cole McCoy; Khalil and Brooklyn Gary; Xander, Valon, Amya, and Alani Damon; Finlee and Raegan Hudnall; Baylor and Cash Brown; Oliver, Grayson, and Aiden Brumfield; and Willow Gabbert.
Additional survivors include her sisters, Patricia Curly, Brenda Wickline, Ducky Treynor, and Debbie Gilbert; along with numerous nieces and nephews, whom she dearly loved.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Chad Dingess officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in White Sulphur Springs.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs is in charge of arrangements.
