of Searcy, AR
December 29, 1945 - February 2, 2025
Phyllis Yuvon Cooper Gouin peacefully went to be with her Heavenly Lord on February 2, 2025 at the age of 79. She was surrounded by her cherished family.
Phyllis was born in Searcy, AR on December 29,1945 to William ''Buster'' and Coyle Duncan Cooper. She graduated from Searcy High School in 1963 and continued with her education at Ouachita Baptist University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology.
By way of a friend, she met her future husband, Ray Gouin, a New Hampshire native who was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base. The two married and welcomed 4 daughters, 9 grandchildren and one great-grandson over their 56 years of marriage.
Phyllis loved her career working as a social worker. She began her first job at the state mental hospital with an eventual move to the Arkansas Department of Human Services. In 1983, she began working for the White River Area Agency on Aging as a care manager over White and Woodruff counties. She was then promoted to care management director, regional manager overseeing 10 counties and finally as community outreach coordinator. One of her passions was to improve the lives of senior citizens. She was a valued member of many organizations advocating for senior care.
Phyllis was a Christian, amazing cook, avid reader, Bingo player, Rummikub champion, card player, game show whiz, quilter and puzzle master. She never missed an opportunity to send an anniversary, birthday, holiday or thank you card. She never wanted to miss a grandchild's event and was often found at sporting events, honors assemblies, church and school programs and anything else she could attend. She valued family and was hands down the most amazing Grammy. She was also a member of Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO)- Chapter CT.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Larry Wayne and Kim Cooper. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ray and her daughters, Donna (Kelly) Kendrick of Fayetteville, AR; Denise (Steven) Beaumont of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Diane (John) Killough of Searcy, Arkansas and Debra Hiett of Beebe, Arkansas; along with her 9 grandchildren, Corie Vaughan, Tyler Beaumont, Kyle Kendrick, Zachary Beaumont, Katie Kendrick, William Killough, Emma Killough, Warren Hiett, Ava Hiett and a great-grandson, Myles Beaumont. She is additionally survived by her sister, Faye Cooper Stewart and a host of beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Searcy First Methodist Church on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:00 followed by a Celebration of Life service beginning at 11:00.
In Lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Phyllis Yuvon Cooper Gouin may be made to PEO- Chapter CT for educational scholarships for local women to the following address: 15 Woodcrest Dr., Searcy, AR 72143.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15012683546.
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23 Condolence(s)
Elizabeth Ann Stewart Heard
Monday, February 10, 2025
Phyllis and I grew up in the Sunday School class and GAs at First Baptist Church, Searcy. We
were in the same class all those years although we were not in the same grade in school. I cannot think of a time I did not know Phyllis. I am sorry she has passed; she was a true lifelong friend. I will miss her.
Linda Benson
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Have know Phyllis and Ray for many, many years. She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother and friend and I will miss her sweet spirit. I pray that all the good memories and her abiding faith will give you peace.
Becky and Roy Heathcock
Friday, February 7, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. Phyllis was a beautiful soul. We enjoyed the special times our family’s shared. She always made sure everyone was taken care of, well fed and happy. She never quit moving. Her grandchildren adored her. She will be sorely missed. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rest in peace dear Phyllis. Becky and Roy
Jennifer Parker Saunder
Friday, February 7, 2025
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. She raised amazing young women. My heart and prayers are with your entire family during this time. My love to you all.
Sherry Person
Friday, February 7, 2025
Phyllis was my childhood friend. She was a fine Christian woman and mother.
We will all miss her. Love to her daughters and husband
Bridget Crockett
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time. Much love to you Debra and Diane and the rest of the family.
Patsy Jones
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Love and prayers for this special lady and her family
Patsy Jones and Crystal Abney
Leah (Faith) Brooks
Thursday, February 6, 2025
So sad to hear this news! I went to school with at least one of her girls, but I also worked with Phyllis, and she always had a smile on her face, ready with a story of her grands. I'll miss seeing her out and about; RIL Phyllis.
Ralph Haymond
Thursday, February 6, 2025
I've known Phyllis and her family for many years. Ray and Phyllis's life revolved around their 4 beautiful girls. Their priority in life was to make sure those girls were safe. I was blessed to have known Phyllis. My prayers are with the family.
Jerry & Janice ( Crockett ) Burlison
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Our Love and Prayers are with Your Family
Rev Deacon Daniel Johnson
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Eternal rest grant unto Phyllis O’Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul rest in the peace of Christ Jesus.
I experienced Phyllis through her daughter Denise a loving kind wonderful giving young woman. All qualities given her the beautiful self less life of her mother. A life dedicated to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. +
Sharen Crockett
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Jimmie knew Phyllis, his cousin all her life and met Ray before they were married. We loved them and I will miss seeing them around. I’m so sorry for her passing and I did not know Ray was also sick. Love you girls and may God bless you and wrap his comforting arms around your family!
Linda and Danny Heep
Thursday, February 6, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss! Phyllis was a beautiful person inside and out! She always had a smile! Praying for comfort and peace in these coming days!
Sincerely
Linda and Danny Heep
Rene & Lucille Toussaint
Thursday, February 6, 2025
We were shocked after receiving that dreaded phone call a couple of days ago. She was such a sweetheart, she will surely be missed by all. To you Ray (cuz) and your entire family, you have our deepest sympathy. RIP Phyllis. I don’t know how the world will survive without you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy Vest
Thursday, February 6, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Phyllis was such a beautiful person inside & out. She was always so kind, loving & had a big smile for everyone.
Sherry Hunter
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Prayers for peace and comfort for your family . Loved Phyllis we were neighbors growing up
Willette Thomas
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
I knew Phyllis for many years and she was always so upbeat and would do anything for anybody. She and Ray have raised four fine young ladies and will be missed by many.
Marvell Jackson
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Prayers and comfort for the family. She was such a sweet and outgoing person!
Peggy Pearce
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Phyllis was a great co worker to me for many years and a wonderful, thoughtful friend! She will be missed! Peggy and Randy Pearce
Mary Mergenschroer
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Prayers for her family, have known Phyllis for a long time.
Mary & Johnny Hodges
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Thoughts and prayers for the family, Johnny & Mary Hodges
Susan Hall
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Phyllis was a special lady and a good friend. She raised
remarkable daughters.
Carol Hawkins
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
In loving memory of a long time friend. Phyllis was a very caring person, I worked with her for many years. She was very professional, knew her stuff, was respected by all her colleagues. She was a leader in every way! She was a busy lil bee, rather it be work, running those beautiful daughters of hers to school events etc, or making wonderful meals for her family. Family was her priority, then work. She was not a spender on frivolous things, she didn’t need it, she didn’t buy it. I always admired her for that. I admired her for many things! A good caring wife, the love for her daughters, the respect and hard work she gave to WRAAA…..you will be missed my dear friend. Go rest now… In Peace