Arvis T. Phelps went on to be with The Lord on April 3, 2024 at Riverside Regional Medical Center surrounded by her family. She was born in Northumberland Co., VA on November 2, 1932 and lived most of her life in Hampton. After attending high school at Hampton High, Arvis married Roger Phelps Sr., starting a union that would last 65 years. This union began a family that would include a son, Bill Phelps and wife Elaine; a daughter, Debbie Sawyer and husband Michael, six grandchildren including, Emily Collier and husband Daniel, Michael Sawyer Jr. and partner Miranda Schrum, Jennifer Shirley, Michelle Sawyer and partner Isaiah Thomas, Melissa Sawyer and fiancé Cory Snead, and Mary Phelps; eight great-grandchildren including, Aiden and Madison Shirley; Kyle, Sarah, Rosie and Oren Collier; James Sawyer and Hunter Thomas. Arvis was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Phelps; her parents, Frank E. and Lucy M. Thomas; and brothers, John Thomas and Edward Thomas.

Arvis had many loves in her life, but chief among them were The Lord and her family. There were also many friends that she met along the road of life that she cared deeply about. Those friendships stemmed from her experiences growing up and living in Hampton, worshiping at church, working in the cafeteria at Hampton High School for a number of years, boating with many friends in the early years and camping in the motorhome in later years, and people met at the many restaurants she and Roger frequented. A sure way to brighten her day or bring a smile to her face was a visit from her family (especially the grand or great-grandchildren) or one of her many friends. Arvis also enjoyed working in her flower gardens at home, watching them bloom out in the spring or sitting in her rocker on the back patio. Then there was the shopping. Arvis loved to shop with her daughter, Debbie, looking for the exact outfit that fit just right. She always dressed perfectly for the occasion with every hair in place.

Looking back over the last short while, the family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the doctors and nurses at Riverside Medical Center, the staff of Commonwealth Senior Living, the staff and members of Pine Chapel Baptist Church, and the many other friends that prayed and took care of Arvis and us. Arvis was a loving wife, mother, Granny and friend. She had a life well lived and loved.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:30 am, Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Pine Chapel Baptist Church with interment to follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday from 5-6:30 pm at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton.