Obituary of Phyllis M. Shimp

Phyllis Mae Shimp Phyllis Mae Shimp (nee McVoy). Age 92. went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 29. She departed peacefully at home with her loving son, Kenneth, by her side. Phyllis was born in Utica, NY on February 15, 1929 to the late Kenneth F. McVoy and Rachel Vrooman Coon McCoy. She grew up in the lovely rural town of Poland, NY with her brothers Robert & Richard and sisters Joan & Nancy. She was a well-liked, small town girl who loved horses. She attended Poland Central School graduating in 1946. Phyllis was her high school vice president, sang in the school choir and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by her classmates. Her senior yearbook featured this poem about her: Phyllis McVoy, a good natured lass, Is the athlete of our class. She likes the boys, too, you bet; But she hasn't found the right one yet. Phyllis ventured away from her small town after graduating high school to Lawrenceville, NJ, where she attended Rider College graduating in 1949 with a BCS Degree in Commercial Science. This is where she did find the right boy who would later become her husband. After graduation she accepted a position with the Atomic Energy Commission in New York City, and worked at this position from 1949 to 1951. On September 1, 1951, Phyllis married Robert (Bob) Shimp, her college sweetheart. Phyllis and Bob had two sons, Steven born 1955-2010, and Kenneth born 1956. In 1961, Bob and Phyllis purchased his parents' hardware business in Pennsville, NJ. In 1977 they built a new store behind the old one. After graduating college, both Phyllis' and Bob's sons joined the family business. Phyllis was a much loved figure at the hardware store and loved the business as much as her husband, Bob. Their marriage was admired by all who knew them, especially those who worked with them. Phyllis became a mother figure to many of the store's employees – no matter how young or old. Phyllis had a way about her that made everyone feel loved and appreciated. Whether it was with her limitless kindness or her delicious vegetable soup, she could be counted on to comfort!! After the death of her son Steven in 2010 and her husband Bob in 2011, Phyllis and her son Kenneth kept the store going until early 2017 when they sold the store and both retired. They enjoyed visiting family and sailing until Phyllis' health no longer allowed. With her loving, positive, self-sacrificing and constant ways, Phyllis made everyone she knew feel special. She was encouraging when a situation required, always empathetic, honest and supportive. One could not know Phyllis without admiring and loving her. Her hobbies included traveling to places like Hawaii, Bermuda, Arizona and Florida, flying and taking drives with her husband sitting in the pilot seat and making people happy with her generosity and fun sense of humor! Phyllis was a member of Sharptown United Methodist Church and a former member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She belonged to several Bible study groups – some spanning decades. Phyllis was a woman who walked in her faith and was a shining example of a Christian woman giving the glory of all her successes to God. Phyllis is survived by her son Kenneth of Pennsville, NJ, and her sisters Joan Dixon of Poland, NY and Nancy of Washington State. She was predeceased by her husband Robert, her son Steven, her parents Kenneth and Rachel McVoy and her brothers Robert and Richard McVoy. A celebration of Phyllis' life will be held .11:00 AM on Tuesday February 8th at the Sharptown United Methodist Church, Sharptown, NJ where friends may call from 09:00 to 11:00 AM Prior to the service. Burial will be private. www.laughreyfuneralhome.com