Phyllis Matthews Holland Eggleston, 92, passed away March 11, 2023 in Norfolk, Virginia. Phyllis was born August 30, 1930 to Robert Dunlap Holland and Gladys Mae Matthews Holland. She was a graduate of Maury High School in Norfolk, VA and received a BS in Mathematics from Old Dominion University.

Phyllis met her husband, Jack Eggleston, on a blind date in Norfolk. They were married on July 8, 1950. Prior to becoming a mother, Phyllis worked with NACA as a “Human Computer.” In 1962 Phyllis, Jack and their children at the time (Mary Allen, John, and Rebecca) relocated to Houston’s Manned (Johnson) Spacecraft Center where they lived for 25 years.

Unsatisfied with staying at home, which was the norm for women of her generation, Phyllis embarked on her lifelong journey of higher education while in Houston. She earned a MS in Geology & a MA in Education from the University of Houston. She was also ABD (All But Dissertation) for her Doctorate in Education and eventually became a professor of Geology at Alvin Community College. She also served on the El Lago City Council. Additionally, Phyllis was an excellent Bridge player.

After her husband retired from NASA, they moved to a farm in Doswell, Virginia. Phyllis was a Virginia Master Gardener and well renowned for her flower arranging skills. She served as the head of church flowers for Fork Church in Doswell and prepared many of the arrangements for the Garden Club of Virginia Historic Garden Week tour of homes.

Phyllis and Jack moved to Norfolk, Virginia where she was the lead for flower arrangements in her retirement community. She was the ultimate “flower lady.” It was also there she got her first Fitbit and would routinely embarrass her children and grandchildren by getting more steps than they did. She was an avid reader and frequently went on cruises. She also diligently tried to keep up with the kids in using smartphones and computers.

In addition to being predeceased by her parents and husband, Phyllis was also predeceased by her first born son John Marshall Eggleston, III and brother Robert D. Holland, Jr. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Mary Allen Stang (Dave) and Rebecca (David), and son Robert (Jana); grandchildren John (Stephanie), Aaron (Marisa), Sarabeth (Joey), Anastacia, John IV, and Christopher (Sarah); greatgrandchildren Wilson, Reid, Brooke, Austin, Alexis, Shelby, Logan, Elisabeth and Hazel. A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday May 6 at Fork Church in Doswell, VA.