Phyllis Elaine Slusher Jennings

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Phyllis Elaine Slusher Jennings, 75, resident of Columbia, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026, at her home.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick Blevins officiating. Burial will follow in Maury Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 1:00 PM until the service hour at the funeral home.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 2790 Pulaski Hwy, Columbia, TN 38401. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Born May 12, 1950, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Slusher and the late Ann Prince Slusher. On October 23, 1971 she married Thomas Walker “Tom” Jennings. Phyllis was very instrumental in helping Tom start his business, and was a legal secretary early in her career. She enjoyed going for walks and playing the piano. Phyllis loved decorating her home, entertaining, and cooking for her family. She spent many hours volunteering at the Senior Citizens Center and Meals on Wheels. Phyllis was a member of First Baptist Church for over 52 years. She loved her Church, and worked in the nursery for over 25 years. Phyllis was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, and will be remembered for her devotion to her family and the love she shared with all who knew her.

In addition to her loving and devoted husband of 54 years, Tom Jennings, she is survived by daughters, Erica (Chad) Williams of Spring Hill, TN, and Andrea (Dusty) Johnson of Knoxville, TN; son, Michael Jennings of Mt. Juliet, TN; sisters, Sandra (Tim) Wigginton of Friendswood, TX, and Kathy Slusher of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Caroline Williams, Jax Johnson, Avery Johnson, Blaire Johnson, and Ethan Williams; nieces, Katie McCauley and Marianne McCauley; several great-nephews and great-nieces; cherished friends, Sharon and Paul Messick; and many loving cousins and extended family.

Active pallbearers will be Tom Webster, Dusty Johnson, Jax Johnson, Michael Jennings, Chad Williams, and Tim Wigginton. Honorary pallbearers will include Paul Messick, and the members of the Larry Wright Sunday School Class.

The family would like to express a special heartfelt thank you for the wonderful care given by the doctors, nurses, and staff of Caris Healthcare.