Phyllis Ann Banks Gorton

Phyllis Ann "Sis" Banks (née Evans), of Dayton, OH, passed away on July 13, 2023 at Hospice of Dayton surrounded by her family and ministry colleagues.

Phyllis dedicated her life to serving others. You could have seen her at many different Frisch's restaurants over the years from Middletown to Dayton. Her most recent role before retirement was as a Sales Representative for Dayton Daily News. After a lifetime of serving her community, Phyllis retired to spend more time with her family. It was in retirement that Phyllis became a beloved member of the Cancer Hope Ministry at Southbrook Church, remembered for her passionate drive to help not only those in need but colleagues as well. Her selfless kindness, boldness, and relentless faith inspired many volunteers and served as a source of comfort to those she was partnered in prayers. She was a grandmother of two and a music lover - having sung in church choir, weddings and seen both Elvis Presley and the Beatles in concert. Phyllis enjoyed cooking, baking, history, watching TV, long car rides and visits to Seattle, Myrtle Beach, Washington, DC and Charleston, SC. Her presence will be sorely missed.

Phyllis is survived by her son, Eric Gayheart (wife Kathi); two grandchildren, Ethan and Grahm Gayheart; her brother, Dean Evans (wife Connie); niece, Kelli Evans; nephew, Bobby Evans; niece, Mary Ellen Skidmore; great niece Aaliyah Evans; and great nephew, Austin Evans. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Gertha Spencer Evans Dunaway and Robert Moses Evans; brother Larry Evans.

A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Phyllis on Fri, August 25th at 11 AM in the Reverie at Southbrook Christian Church in Centerville. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Cancer Hope Ministry at Southbrook Christian Church or directly to Southbrook.