Phyllis Ann (Mason) Newman, 88 years of age, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025 at the Heartford House, Owensboro, KY, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness.
Phyllis was born in Rockport, Indiana on October 10, 1936; the only child of the late Paul F. and Margaret Mason. She married Robert B. Newman from Owensboro, KY on December 13, 1959. Phyllis is survived by her three children Robin Scott (Steve), Mason Newman (Sandy), Holly Jones (Fred); her grandchildren Noah Scott, Alicia Whear (Caleb), Aaron Scott (Julia), Isaiah Scott, Stephen Scott, Gabriel Scott; and six great-grandchildren.
Phyllis was the organist for First Christian Church Disciples of Christ for 53 years, where she dedicated her many talents in service to the church with her enduring love of music. She received her Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from Indiana University. In addition to playing the clarinet for the Owensboro Symphony, she served as Principal Pianist for 39 years. She taught Suzuki Method private piano lessons for 25 years and was of great influence to her many students.
Phyllis brought the gift of music into her home, passing this on to her children and grandchildren. Her musical interests were quite varied, ranging from classical, to gospel/spiritual, and pop/rock. Her performances on the massive pipe organ at First Christian Church were revered and looked forward to on a weekly basis and throughout the year. She was an avid fan of the Doobie Brothers, particularly Michael McDonald; yet equally loved Chopin, especially his ballads. In the gospel genre, she was moved by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, for their use of the acoustic piano with their soulful vocals.
Through the years, Phyllis organized small musical productions with her children and grandchildren. Early “shows” when her children ranged in age from seven to three were at local nursing homes during the holiday season. Unannounced to the patrons in the dining room, she would begin with an introductory few measures on a corner upright, followed by the “secret” opening of a side door, where the three “steps and stairs” children would weave throughout the room, playing Christmas carols on their violins, to the surprise and delight of all in attendance.
She was forever curious, becoming fluent in Japanese and Spanish. She taught her children that “anything is possible” and to reach for the stars, to have a good work ethic, prepare, and expect the best; no limits! She was also “forever young” in her outlook toward life, quick to learn new things and stay up with technology; the first in the family to acquire an email address. She maintained a quick wit, was a wordsmith, and loved the humor of how the same words could mean different things, depending on the point of view; such as “that cardinal is outstanding in his field” whether referring to a person of the clergy, or a bird in the woods!
Phyllis had a philanthropic heart for St. Jude charity; she also had a soft spot for all animals, especially dogs, and helped many animal charities through the years. She particularly felt compelled to support efforts for pet rescues in tragic flood events, such as in New Orleans and Houston.
Phyllis will be remembered by her family as a beloved matriarch, for her depth of spiritual insight, and her brilliant creative mind, most beautifully expressed through music.
Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025 Sunset Hill Cemetery in Rockport, Indiana. Visitation is from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at James H. Davis Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Heartford House, Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.