Phyllis Anne McLaughlin passed away peacefully on October 27, 2020.
She was born March 7, 1941 in Mount Carmel, IL to Charles “Brown” Sims and Thelma Hall Sims Potmesil. She married her High School sweetheart and best friend James “Mac” H. McLaughlin on October 5, 1958 in Sonora. A union lasting 45 years until his passing in 2003.
An accomplished artist, she won awards for her oil painting. She was also an accomplished gardener, winning ribbons for her beautiful roses and pansies.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, and her fur babies. She was a fantastic homemaker and seamstress. She loved trying new recipes and perfecting the old one. She was an amazing cook, she enjoyed sewing, crochet, quilting and a good book. She took on the role as caretaker with such selflessness.
She worked as an election official for many years, something she was honored and proud to do.
She had a deep faith and love of God. Her faith had been tested over the years but always prevailed.
She is preceded in death by her loved ones, Her husband James H. McLaughlin, Grandson William (Jacob) McLaughlin, Her Parents Charles Sims, Thelma Sims Potmesil, Brother Michael Sims, Stepfather Frank Potmesil, in-laws Jim and Della McLaughlin, beautiful and loving Aunt, Polly Taylor, Grandmother Jesse Stockard, Uncle Bill Lipman, cousin and friends Paul and Nita Lipman.
Phyllis was a loving and wonderful mother. She is survived by her Son Wayne McLaughlin, daughters Shawna McLaughlin, Christl Coppedge and husband Shawn, Erica Martinez, Sister-in-law, Patsy Valis, nieces Janet Hoelscher, and Jo Ann Wengler.
Grandchildren Jeremiah McLaughlin, Sarah McLaughlin, Savanah Garcia and husband Jaime, Rani, William (Billy) and Bethany Coppedge Esau, Andrew, Brandon, and Alyssa Martinez. Great Grandchildren Jeremiah James, Emily and Autumn McLaughlin, Weston James McLaughlin, Robyn Galvan, Violet Cook, Annabella Reyna, Lincoln and Waylon Garcia, and Logan Brackeen. Long time and best friend Frances (Bill) Moore.
Special thank you to long time neighbors and friends Idolina Chavez and family. Words cannot express what you meant to our Mother and mean to our family.
Kind to a fault, mom always had a smile and a friendly word to others. She will be missed by her family and friends.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Sonora Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, donations to a local animal rescue, wildlife nature preserve, library, or Sonora Volunteer Fire Department, or your favorite charity can be made in her honor. Arrangements with Texas Quality Cremations.
Have a beautiful Journey Mama (Wayne)
I thank God for the mother and father he gave us. I was so honored to call them my Mother and Father and proud be their daughter ( Shawna )
‘‘Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you Until we meet again! (Christl)
