Phyllis Gayle May Scarberry was born to Rufus and Perlina May on March 23, 1938, in Pinsonfork, Kentucky. She was one of nine children, with four sisters and four brothers, and was very proud of her Kentucky roots. After graduating from Belfry High School, she became a teacher in Paw Paw, Kentucky, where she met her future husband, Drewey Scarberry Jr. They were married on March 15, 1958, in Grundy, Virginia.

Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Oregon and resided in Florence for many years. In 1972, they moved to rural North Bend, and in 1991, they settled in Sutherlin, which became their home. Phyllis loved socializing with everyone, walking through thrift stores, attending yard sales, and cheering for the Oregon Ducks. She cherished her family.

Phyllis passed away on October 7, 2024, in Coos Bay. She was preceded in death by her husband, as well as her parents and sisters Cora Lee, June, Ruthie, and Loretta, and brothers Bob, John, Ray, and James. She is survived by her son, Michael Scarberry and his wife, Sheri, and her daughter, Denise Rich and her husband, Timothy. She also leaves behind grandchildren Melissa, Bryce, Joshua, Erik, and Michelle, along with eight great-grandchildren.