Phyllis Heppel Valentine's Obituary
Phyllis “Fifi” Heppel Valentine, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away unexpectedly on March 20, 2026, at age 78 at her home in Memphis.
Born on October 26, 1947 in Memphis, Tennessee, Phyllis was the daughter of Marilyn T. and Philip S. Heppel. Throughout her life she was known for her unfailing kindness, selflessness, wonderful sense of humor, and bright, loving personality.
A lifelong Memphian, Phyllis attended the Hutchison School for 11 years and graduated from East High School in 1965. She attended Mississippi State College for Women and Memphis State University. Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, as well as a second mom to countless “kids,” now mostly in their fifties, in Memphis and beyond. She served on the Board of Woodland Presbyterian School for several years. She was baptized at Second Presbyterian Church, and although a member of Woodland Presbyterian Church, she had more recently returned to Sunday School classes at Second Presbyterian. She found unending joy in spending time with her friends and family, especially her children and grandchildren, and all her dear friends and “lunch group girls.”
Phyllis loved her family more than anything in the world. She made sure everyone knew how much she loved them and had an incredible gift for making everyone she met feel that they were special to her. She taught her children how to love and how to show love every day of her life.
She was an incredibly devoted daughter to her mother Marilyn, calling and checking in on her every day, and was by her side nonstop until the end of her life.
Although she did not attend the University of Tennessee, her beloved father, husband, and both brothers all graduated from UT, so she was a die-hard Tennessee fan and an honorary Vol for Life. She was absolutely overjoyed when her grandson Alex decided to follow in the family footsteps and attend UT Knoxville as well. The football watching parties that she and Chip threw were legendary.
Phyllis was a gifted artist and enjoyed painting for many years. Although she was too humble to brag about her talents, everyone admired her works which hang in the homes of friends and family all over town.
Her happy place was Destin, Florida, the site of many family vacations, and her son’s home. She loved going to visit her son and his family there, making fond memories, surrounded by love and the beauty of the ocean.
She gave her time and love to many friends who had health problems over the years, sitting by their bedsides, helping with care of their children, and assisting with anything they needed all without ever asking for any recognition or credit for her devotion.
She was beloved at many Memphis restaurants as she was a dedicated member of several “lunch groups,” which she hardly ever missed. She even continued to attend lunch with her mother’s friends after her mother’s death. She became the designated pickup driver and became a cherished friend to many of those ladies.
She will be greatly missed by her many server friends at the Memphis Country Club. The Taproom and the Terrace will never be the same without her.
Phyllis is survived by her loving and devoted husband George C. “Chip” Valentine, her children Chris Valentine (Lea) and Maryl Smith (Joel E.), grandchildren Alex and Kaki Smith, Joseph and Charlie Valentine, honorary grandchildren Alexis Duncan (Geoff) and Noah Valentine, and one great-grandson, Oliver Duncan. She is also survived by her brothers, Scott Heppel (Carolyn) and Chris Heppel (Cissy) and cherished nephew and niece Philip Heppel and Meredith Heppel Prousnitzer (Gene). She was preceded in death by her parents Marilyn and Philip Heppel.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 1:00pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home with the burial immediately following. Visitation will begin at 12:00.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Phyllis’s family is devastated by this sudden loss. We take comfort in knowing that she is resting peacefully in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is with her precious parents. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
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