Holsten, Phyllis Gail (Nickell)

Ypsilanti, MI

Age 73, passed peacefully at home with her family by her side Wednesday, July 5, 2023. She was born January 9, 1950 in Cannel City, KY, the daughter of Willie Jr. and Geneva Nickell.

Phyllis worked as a head custodian for Ypsilanti Public Schools for 28 years, retiring in 2000. She was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church where she loved playing the piano and singing. She enjoyed cooking, canning and baking, especially with her grandchildren, and treasured picnics with her granddaughters. Phyllis loved doing crafts, crocheting and reading. She was always available to lend an ear and would help anyone in need. Her family was the most important thing to her, next to God.

Phyllis is survived by her son Samuel Holsten, daughter Katherine (Dan) O'Bryan, grandchildren Ashley O'Bryan, Daniel Connor O'Bryan and Kaylee O'Bryan; great-grandchildren Aliveah Nichols and Ethan Hutchison; brothers Odell Nickell and Wendell Nickell; sisters Ann Thomas and Rita Nickell Collins; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Douglas Nickell and sister Velma Nickell Snyder.

A funeral service will be held 11 am Thursday, July 13, 2023 at First Freewill Baptist Church with visitation beginning at 10 am (1244 Holmes Road, Ypsilanti). Brother Walker Harris will officiate. The family will receive friends 4-8 pm Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Stark Funeral Professionals (101 S. Washington Street, Ypsilanti). Phyllis will be laid to rest in Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery, Flat Rock, MI.