A proud graduate of Lincoln High School, she grew up next door to the love of her life, Gordon Pauley, whom she married in 1950. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and community, leaving a generational impact that will endure for years to come.
Phyllis attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and pledged Chi Omega fraternity, a sisterhood she held dear throughout her life. Her commitment to Chi Omega spanned over six decades, serving on the building board for 56 years and holding numerous chair and advisory positions. Even after stepping down from formal roles, she remained deeply connected, spreading her love for Chi Omega and supporting its members throughout her life.
Her leadership and dedication extended far beyond Chi Omega, including serving as President of the Bryan Service League and as a member of the Nebraska Art Association Board, the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Board, the Lincoln Park Foundation Board, and the Lincoln Symphony Guild. She also found joy as a docent at the Sheldon Art Museum, sharing her passion for the arts, and was an active member of the Lincoln Country Club, where she cherished many friendships.
A devoted member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Phyllis shared her musical talent by singing in the choir with her husband, Gordon, lifting spirits with their voices. Phyllis and Gordon also loved attending performances by the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, proudly supporting the arts in their community.
Phyllis cherished spending time with friends and family. Whether hosting bridge luncheons or dinner clubs with dear friends, welcoming loved ones to her winter retreat in Sun Lakes, Arizona, or creating cherished memories at the lake house she and Gordon built at Lake Waconda, she had a gift for making everyone feel valued and loved. Summers were filled with water skiing, delicious meals, and laughter, as Phyllis brought people together with her warmth and hospitality.
Her life was a testament to the strength of family, the power of community, and the beauty of tradition. She was a woman of elegance and class, known for her joy of entertaining, personable nature, and strong will that inspired everyone around her.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gordon; her parents, Vernon and Mildred; and her sister, Margaret. She leaves behind a legacy of love and grace carried on by her three children: Diana (Joe Scott) Schmid, Douglas (Kris) Pauley, and David (Joan) Pauley; six grandchildren: Jeff (Jamie) Scott, Bryan Pauley, Scott (Steph Gilmore) Pauley, Lauran Pauley, Sean (Andee) Pauley, and Kathryn (Connor) Schulte; and four great-grandchildren: Mara Scott, Preston Scott, Hannah Pauley, and Lillian Pauley.
Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing her light lives on in the lives she touched and the family she adored.
A Celebration of Phyllis’s Life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 2110 Sheridan Blvd, Lincoln, Nebraska 68502. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Westminster Foundation or the Lincoln People’s City Mission in her honor.
Her legacy of love, grace, and class will forever inspire all who were fortunate to know her.