Phyllis Annette Friend, born July 4, 1957 to the late Coy Lee Berry, Sr. and Fannie Berry, transitioned into life eternal early Sunday morning, August 25, 2013. Affectionately known as, "Red" by family and friends, Phyllis matriculated through Huntsville City Schools and graduated from Alabama A&M University and worked her entire professional career (29 years) with the Huntsville City Schools at Whitesburg Elementary School.

At an early age, Phyllis accepted Christ and became a part of Douglas Tabernacle Primitive Baptist Church, where she sang and served for many years. With her sisters and some close friends, they started "The Heavenly Father's Creation" singing group.

United in marriage to Theodus Friend on July 23rd, 1976, three children were born to this blessed and faithful union. Survivors include: husband, Theodus Friend, Huntsville; children, LaBraunna Friend, St. Louis, MO, LaBryant Friend (Phineka), Tucson, AZ, LaBrena (Michael) Jackson, Birmingham, and Jayson Friend, Huntsville; mother, Fannie Berry, Huntsville; sisters (all of Huntsville), Olivia Watts, Deborah (Richmond) Malone, Pamela (Ken) Nance, and Sharon (Johnny) Simon; brother, Coy Lee (Diane) Berry of Tampa, FL; aunt, Alberta Lane, Huntsville; uncle, Melvin (Mattie) Lane, Chicago; grandchildren, Ashriel Harris, Londyn Friend, Amana Friend, and Layel Friend of Tucson, AZ and Jordyn Friend of Huntsville, AL; uncle in-law, Henry Thompson, Huntsville; brothers and sisters in-law (of Huntsville) Walter Friend, Lucille (Eddie) Holden, Mary (Mitchell) Walker, Pamela (Donaldson) Jones, Maurice (Yolanda) Friend, and Floyd (Mary) Friend, Birmingham, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

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The Celebration of Life Service will be held at Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church at Noon on Saturday, August 31st. Visitation will be Friday, August 30th, 4-6:00 p.m. at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will be in Valhalla Memory Gardens.

https://www.nelmsmemorial.net/obituary/5323141