Phyllis Lee (James) McCarty, 87, born Bethlehem, KY July 10,1933 passed away May 4, 2021 with her loving husband of 65 years at her side. Phyllis and William Kenneth (Ken) McCarty were married June 12, 1955. Phyllis was the loving and dedicated mother to their three children; Marlene McCarty (Christine Vachon) daughter Guthrie; Jim McCarty (Libby) sons Riley and Charles; and Joanna McCarty-Rogers (Jeff decd.). In addition to her immediate family, Phyllis is survived by nieces Martha James Clark (David) and Brenda Joyce James. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, William David (Willie D.) and Mary Florence Gardner James; two half-brothers Forest Gilmore James and Ralph Minice (Pud) James; nephew Robert Forest James and Helmut, her adored German Shepherd companion. 

Growing up in the farming community of Bethlehem, home of the living Nativity, Phyllis learned many hands-on skills that would serve her well for her entire life. A graduate of Asbury College, Phyllis majored in Music Education and upon graduation she married Ken and taught English at Pleasureville High School. The McCarty’s moved to Lexington in 1956 starting their family shortly thereafter. For both Phyllis and Ken their church was of central importance to their lives. Early-on they were active members of Epworth Methodist Church where Phyllis served as Chairwoman of the Official Board, President of the United Methodist Women, and Chairwoman of the church’s Women’s Circle. Later the couple moved to First Methodist Church and then, in more recent years to Liberty Road Faith Fellowship.

Phyllis identified as a housekeeper and mother for the majority of her life but was an extremely talented artist and craftsperson. Her sewing skills rivaled those of a professional seamstress. Whether designing Christmas elf-costumes for Sayre School, Nativity costumes for First Methodist Church, performance gowns for her youngest daughter, replicating Vogue fashions for her oldest daughter, designing and executing spectacular window treatments for her homes, or taking ceramics classes at UK while stenciling her house, Phyllis was an energetic creative force with which to be reckoned. A creative passion she instilled in the lives of her children.

Refurbishing two Bluegrass Trust historic homes featured in the Herald Leader, one on Bryan Station Road and the other on South Ashland Avenue, the renovations were largely executed by Phyllis, a result of her hand work expertise and visual acuity. Being a master gardener both dwellings were surrounded by Phyllis’s gorgeous gardens, including a Kentucky wildflower garden built with her son. Fascinated by American antiques and venerable houses, in the late 1970’s Phyllis became a licensed real estate agent. A true multi-tasker, she could refinish and reupholster furniture, rewire lamps, sew, embroider, needlepoint, paint, throw ceramics and still get dinner on the table by 6pm. The world will be a little grayer without the beauty and creativity she brought to everything.

Funeral Arrangements: 3:00 pm Monday, May 10 at Prewitt New Castle Funeral Home (425 North Main Street, New Castle, KY 40050 - T. 502-845-2917).  Visitation will be from 1 pm until service time. Service will be followed by Burial at the New Castle Cemetery. Flowers may be delivered to the funeral home or donations may be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators, The American Cancer Society, or your favorite German Shepherd Rescue.