PHYLLIS GAYLE (MELVIN) GAFFORD, 45, resident of Friendswood, Texas. On Friday, October 1, 2004, Phyllis led her family and friends to the gates of heaven, where she entered into eternity with her precious Savior. Phyllis will be profoundly missed here, but her lifelong devotion to Jesus is being rewarded with a never-ending reunion of those who have gone before and those to join her later. Awaiting her in heaven were first daughter, Mandy Gayle Gafford, parents Calvin and Loyce Melvin, brother Michael Melvin, and nephew Eric Melvin. Remaining to honor God and Phyllis in life are her husband, Dennis Gafford, their wonderful children Marcus Gafford and Misty Gafford, her second father and mother, Warren and Lillian Gafford, her sisters, Paula Barnett and husband Randy, and Patricia Russell. Also loved as brothers and sisters are Mac and Duane McClendon, David and Pat Gafford, and Rochelle Melvin. Of special importance were Phyllis' nieces and nephews, Jaime Slafka and husband Andrew, Nikki Thompson and husband Andrew, Janna and Josh Barnett, Thomas and Natalie Gafford, Zachary and Jessica McClendon, Brent Russell and wife Amanda, Elan Melvin and wife Jennifer, Erin Condrey and husband Sean, Emberly Yates and husband Chase, and Christine Lanmon and husband James, whom she loved and treated as her own sons and daughters. The family will be receiving friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 4, 2004, at Niday Funeral Home. A celebration service will follow at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2004, in the Worship Center at Sagemont Church, located at 11300 South Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston, Texas, preceded by a graveside service to be held at 11:30 a.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery located at 8701 Almeda-Genoa Road, Houston, Texas, for any who wish to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sagemont Church World Missions at 11300 S. Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston, Texas, 77089, in order to extend Phyllis' reach to a world in need.