Phyllis Rose Rader

Phyllis Rose Rader, age 83, of Dana Point, CA, passed away on November 4, 2023. Phyllis was proud to be a native Tennessean, having lived in Blount County for 80 years. Due to declining health, she relocated to Southern California in 2020 to be near her daughters. She was a kind, fun-loving person with a creative mind and a keen sense of humor. She enjoyed writing poetry, telling stories, cooking, entertaining, and cheering for the Vols. She was expert-level at putting together jigsaw puzzles and could spot a fitting piece from across the room. Her carrot cake was simply divine! Most of all, Phyllis was a wonderful mother who dearly treasured her family and lifelong friends.

She is predeceased by her husband, Edgar “Sam” Rader; parents, Charles and Anna Cunningham; brother, William “Billy” Cunningham; sisters, Betty Hutton, Dorothy Walker, and Mary McDowell; brothers-in-law, John Hutton, T.R. Walker and Joseph McDowell, and niece, Julie McDowell.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Amanda and Michael McPhaul, and Andrea and Andrew DeLorenzo; sister, Bobbie Wood; and seven nephews and a niece.

She is also deeply missed by her much beloved, sweet, wild, and relentlessly baying Beagle, Disco Newton Rader, and her grand dogs, Wrigley “Who’s a Good Boy” Scott DeLorenzo, and Russell “Brussels Sprout” and Clyde “Side-Eye” McPhaul. She was always happy to lounge with them and was most generous with crumbs.

On the day of her passing, she expressed her love and appreciation for her life, family, friends, and the community she missed so much. She was happy and at peace.

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 04, 2023 in the Smith chapel from 4:00 until 6:00 pm.  Mrs. Rader will be entombed at Grandview mausoleum. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s research at www.StJude.org. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com