Obituary of Vivian Louise Phinny

Funeral services for Vivian L. Phinny, 83, of Arp will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 13, at Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home in Overton with Pastor Mike Rice officiating. Burial will be in the Mason Cemetery, Arp.

Mrs. Phinny passed away Monday, October 8, 2018, in Sugar Land, Texas. She was born October 7, 1935, in Palestine, Texas, to the late Albert and Imogene Blanton.

Besides her parents, Mrs. Phinny was also preceded in death by her husband of forty-eight years, Phillip Earl “Sonny” Phinny, and her sister, Betty Smallwood.  

Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl Minotti and husband Marcello Minotti of Sugar Land, Texas; stepson Phil Phinny of Kingwood, Texas; and stepson Steve Phinny and wife Pam Phinny of Longview, Texas.  Grandchildren include Josh, Kathryn, and Liliana Minotti of Sugar Land; Ryan Phinny of Norfolk, Virginia; Caitlin Phinny of Kingwood, Texas; Megan Young and husband Daniel Young of Warrensburg, Missouri; and Zachary Phinny of Gladewater, Texas. Survivors also include her sister, Alice Faye Frick of Longview, Texas, and her niece, Jeannie Bockmon of Avinger, Texas.   

Mrs. Phinny graduated from Winona High School and worked for both the East Texas Medical Center and Smith County Courthouse before beginning a twenty-four-year career with Arp I.S.D. as bookkeeper and secretary to the superintendent.

She was well-known in her community, serving as an election clerk for many years and participating in the Arp Garden Club.  She joined Arp First Baptist Church in 1968 and attended faithfully, serving as Sunday School secretary for many years.

An avid Texas Rangers Baseball fan, she also enjoyed doting on her children and grandchildren, always loving them unconditionally and sacrificially.  She was known for her sweet, kind spirit.

The family will receive friends prior to the service, Saturday October 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the ministry of Arp First Baptist Church.