Phyllis Margaret Lucas' Obituary
Phyllis Margaret Siegrist Lucas, affectionately known as “Grandma Sugar,” passed away peacefully at her home in Austin, TX, on October 9, 2021, with family by her side. The daughter of Walter and Mae Eich Siegrist, Phyllis was born in 1926 in Kansas City, MO, where she grew up and attended school. She met her future husband, Harry B. Lucas, Sr., when he arrived in Kansas City as a young naval lieutenant preparing to muster out after the war. They later recounted a romantic tale of love at first sight in a coffee shop, where Phyllis intentionally tripped a handsome uniformed officer who had caught her eye. Not to be outdone, he jumped up, looked down at the pretty young woman, and kissed her on the spot. The happy couple were married in 1947. Several children in tow, the young family relocated to Dallas, TX, in the mid-1950s. Phyllis raised five children, always encouraging them to pursue education, and became involved in Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, where she developed close friendships that spanned decades and baked desserts for fundraiser auctions (at which Harry B. would determinedly outbid all others to purchase Phyllis’s stellar homemade pies). Phyllis and Harry B. were lifelong supporters of their church, community, and of education at all levels.
Blessed with a sharp memory, an eye for detail, and a good sense of timing, Phyllis was a skilled tennis player, an accomplished painter, and an excellent cook. She relished time spent with friends in garden clubs and Northwood Women’s Club, from church and from her neighborhood; and she gardened, collected art and antiques, listened to music, watched movies, and rooted for the Dallas Cowboys. Most of all, Phyllis is remembered by family and friends for her wit, warmth, and sense of humor. She was always quick to laugh and quick to smile, ready to offer a hug or a glass of iced tea whenever it was needed. When a loss of eyesight later in life took away her hobbies of tennis and painting, Phyllis, ever the optimist, turned to technology to read and to continue to share recipes, play cards with her friends, became a successful stock trader, avidly follow professional women’s tennis, and enjoy time with her beloved dogs.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her brother, Phillip Siegrist, her devoted husband, Harry B., their son Beau, and their grandsons Robert Beau and Thomas, Jr. Phyllis is survived by her children Teresa Phillips, Thomas Lucas, Sr., Gail Taylor Fiume, and Jay Lucas, Sr., and their spouses; by grandchildren Ryan, Amy, Erin, Blake, Fonda, Hunter, Lauren, and Rich; by 16 much-loved great-grandchildren; by her caregiver, Maria, household assistant, Louisa, and many close and beloved friends in Dallas and Austin; and by her canine companion Rosie, a King Charles Spaniel.
Donations in memory of Phyllis may be made if desired to: SPCA of Dallas, Wesley Prep at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, the Music Department at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, or St. Jude’s Hospital.
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/62138/hash:9E158AC66B4FE6A7
What’s your fondest memory of Phyllis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Phyllis?
Share a story where Phyllis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Phyllis you’ll never forget.
How did Phyllis make you smile?