Phyllis Jean Shafer

Phyllis Jean Shafer, 68, of Hagerstown, passed away Friday morning, March 8, 2024 at Reid Hospital in Richmond following an extended illness. She was born February 8, 1956 in Winchester, a daughter of the late Marion and Dorothy (Smith) Craig.

A 1974 graduate of Hagerstown High School, Phyllis was active in her community. She was instrumental in writing the grant for the Wilbur Wright Museum expansion. She enjoyed her time as a teacher’s aide for the Special Education Department at Hagerstown Schools and was also very active in the P.T.O. at Hagerstown Schools while her daughters were there. She served as the Liberty Township trustee for many years.

An accomplished pianist, she served as organist and pianist for several years at Central Wesleyan Church in New Castle, and at Hagerstown Friends Church, where she married her high school sweetheart, John Shafer on August 28, 1976. In recent years, she was a member of White Branch Church. An avid quilter, and was also a dedicated caregiver to both her parents, whom she cherished.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of over 47 years, John Shafer of Hagerstown; three daughters, Emily Shafer of Noblesville, Amanda (James) Puckett of Oakland City, and Rachel (Mike) Truex of Plainfield; her four grandchildren, who she adored, Hank, Vivian, Dorothy, and Charlotte Puckett, and was looking forward to meeting her fifth, a granddaughter due in August. Also, three sisters, Melody Bowman of New Castle, Rosalie (Jan) Ekelof of Hagerstown, and Pamela (Ed) Fleming of Hagerstown; two brothers, Richard (Terrie) Craig of Lewisville and Roger (Glenda) Craig of Indianapolis; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Bill Bowman, and a nephew, Winter Brown.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Brick Cemetery in Hagerstown. Memorial contributions may be given to the White Branch Church, 2044 N. County Rd. 900 E, Hagerstown, IN 47346, or Wilbur Wright Birthplace Museum, 1525 N. Co. Rd. 750 E., Hagerstown, IN 47346. You may share condolences and memories of Phyllis at www.Hinsey-brown.com .

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