Phyllis Jo Fanning, age 83, of Cool Ridge, WV passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Phyllis Jo, as she was affectionately known to her siblings, was a loyal daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend.

She was born to Tracy and Gertrude Cline December 17, 1942. After marrying her late husband and with their first child in her arms, she left her roots and moved to Chicago, Illinois where she established a love for the city and had two more children.

In her younger adult years, she was involved in community service and enjoyed living life along the beach of Lake Michigan where she began to go simply by "Jo". She was an excellent cook and loved feeding her family; always asking "Are you hungry honey?" After her children had grown, she relocated to Florida where she worked in the hospitality industry.

When the desire to return home to West Virginia grew, she returned to her roots. She wanted to be closer to her mom and dad (Mommy and Daddy as she called them). Her oldest son and daughter eventually followed and settled close to her. She worked with children in local schools as a foster grandparent which she loved. She enjoyed her church, believed with her whole heart in the Power of Christ and was fond of her friends made in the congregation. She also loved her flower gardens, and spending time outside with her precious great grandson, Andy.

She was preceded in death by her husband Benjamin Fanning, oldest son Ronnie Joe Fanning, sister Jean Wade and brother Willie Cline.

She is survived by her daughter Gwendolyn Lively (David Lively) and her youngest child Kenneth Lee Fanning; five grandchildren: Dennis Dover Jr., Samuel Lively (Jennifer Lively), Lori Fanning, Tom Fanning and Joe Fanning; as well as many great grandchildren, and great, great grand-children. She also leaves behind siblings Elbert Cline (Debbie), Frances England (David), and Dymple Beach; special friends Jean Maddy and Shirley Facello and many extended family and friends that she cherished.

She will be missed by many and will never be forgotten as she has touched so many lives.

A Service to Celebrate The Life Of Phyllis Jo Fanning will be held at the Amos E. Quesenberry Chapel of Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Shady Spring, WV on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM with Pastor Tim Dillon officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services at the funeral home on Tuesday. 

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net. 

Arrangements are Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring, WV.