Phyllis Gwinn Johnson Lovell
Phyllis Gwinn Johnson Lovell, 76, wife of Rev. Gene Lovell, died Sept. 16, 2018, in Louisville, Kentucky.
She was born in Russell County, Kentucky, but moved to Monticello at a very young age when her family’s farm was taken to establish Lake Cumberland.
Phyllis is survived by her husband of more than 61 years; her daughter, Ruth Ann, of Louisville; her son, David Gene (Vickie), of Louisville; a granddaughter, Kristen (Colbie) Wacker, and their son and daughter, Canan and Kassidie, of Jacksonville, Florida; Phyllis’ brother, Phil Johnson, and his son, Stuart (Kim), of Monticello.
Phyllis married Gene during her senior year at Wayne County High School, while Gene was in his first year of service as a United Methodist pastor in the Louisville Annual Conference. During their years serving various parishes, Phyllis was the voice of love and kindness to all those she met, fielding those countless phone calls that came to the parsonage every day. She also taught school for a couple of years.
Upon retirement, Phyllis and Gene moved to Louisville. For more than 20 years, Phyllis kept a watchful eye on her family. She always inspired and gave loving encouragement. Phyllis kept up with all the family details, both personal and business. She was the support and guide for the everyday life of her family.
During the last several years, Phyllis was not physically able to attend church. Yet she never missed a Sunday sermon, thanks to her TV pastor. Phyllis’ faith and kindness, even in sickness, was her greatest joy to us, her family! The life she lived, loving her family unconditionally, in every way, will inspire us every day to live and serve in a way that will bring us to see her at the end of the road. Farewell our love; you are greater than human words can express!
Phyllis’ funeral was held Sept. 21, 2018, at Newcomers Funeral Home East Louisville Chapel. Revs. Jim Kingry and Craig Tuck provided a beautiful and meaningful service for her. The burial service was in Memorial Garden East.