February 2, 1952 – January 26, 2025
Phyllis Louise Western, known as Liz to friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, at the age of 72. A devoted mother, loyal friend, and resident of Peachtree City for over 30 years, Liz was adored by her community and led an exemplary life filled with faith, family, laughter, and light.
Liz was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and grew up in a close-knit household rich with warmth, faith, community, and an enduring appreciation for exercise and the outdoors. Liz attended Fisher College in Boston, where she developed an appreciation for music, culture, and travel. Her love of adventure led to a backpacking trip across Europe and two summers spent with a close friend in Maracaibo, Venezuela, cultivating a lifelong love of Spanish language and culture.
In 1974 she met Vernon Western, her husband of 42 years, whom she married a year later. Vern’s assignments with Exxon took the two to Alaska and Venezuela and later settling in Orlando, Florida where they raised a son Craig, born in 1989. Liz passed on her deeply held values, among them the importance of hard work, gratitude, and putting others first. Relocating to Peachtree City in 1995, Liz built over the years a strong community and support system for the family.
Despite being a beacon of healthy living and exercise, the second half of Liz’s life was shaped by cancer, having battled and beaten the disease four separate times – melanoma in 1994, breast cancer in 2002 and 2007, and thyroid cancer in 2014. Her strength and unwavering spirit served as an inspiration to all who knew her and lead to lifelong involvement with breast cancer advocacy and awareness through such organizations as Relay for Life, Bikers Riding for Awareness, and the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer.
Liz’s later years were filled to the brim with faith, friends, and family. A member of Peachtree City United Methodist Church and later Passion City Church, where she served as a volunteer, Liz grew her connection to God through service, clubs, and Bible study.
A fifth and final cancer diagnosis – pancreatic cancer – came in early January of 2025. Liz declined treatment after fighting for so many years, willing instead that her remaining weeks be comfortable, graceful, and guided at every step by her faith. She spent her final days in the company of family and friends, finally meeting her beloved grandson and completing her journey to God with her son by her side.
Liz is survived by her son Craig (Courtney) Western, grandson Jackson Western, siblings, Ross (Ann) Kirk and Ellen Duffin, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation and celebration of Liz’s life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00PM at Peachtree City United Methodist Church. A reception will follow at Cresswind from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. All are welcome.
Liz inspired us to live better, and her legacy lives on through those she touched and the love she spread. If you would like to contribute to Liz’s memory, please consider a charitable donation to the Charles A. Henderson Memorial Cancer Fund or to the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer in memory of Liz, reflecting her enduring mission to improve the lives of those impacted by cancer.
