Phyllis Christine Horton

Phyllis Christine Horton (Johnson) closed her eyes here and opened them to the Lord on Sunday,
June 8, 2025, at Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, Florida. Born on February 19, 1950, in
Sebring, Florida, to Alonzo and Mary Johnson, Phyllis lived a life full of love, faith, and unwavering
devotion to her family and her Savior.

Phyllis was an extraordinary mother, wife, granny, sister, and aunt to a large and deeply rooted
family. She married Kelvin Wester on June 27, 1969 and together they raised their three
children—Lonnie Steven, Rodney Keith, and Shanon LeAnn—in Lake Placid, Florida. She worked for
over 30 years at the Lake Placid Citrus Growers Packing House before dedicating herself fully to
raising her children and grandchildren throughout Highlands County.

On August 25, 1994, Phyllis married Rodney Horton, gaining a stepson, Rodney Horton Jr., and
continuing her journey as a loving and nurturing matriarch.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Alonzo and Mary Johnson; her first husband, Kelvin
Wester; her infant son, Mark Wester; and her brothers, Howard, Stacey, Tootsie, Ivy, Wayne, and
Dennis Johnson. She also mourned the loss of her beloved Chihuahua, Angel.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Rodney Horton Sr.; her children, Lonnie (Trisha) Wester,
Rodney (Phyllis) Wester, and Shanon VanHyning; and her stepson, Rodney Horton Jr. Her legacy
continues through her grandchildren: Heather (Tony) Pickett, Kimberly (Johnny) Mcbride, Eric
Wester, Misty Wester, Elizabeth Wester, Meranda Wester, Merissa (Brandon) Carroll, Kenneth A.
VanHyning III, Jesica VanHyning, and Emilee VanHyning. She was also blessed with 18 great-
grandchildren: Aubree, Kyeson, and Kamryn Pickett; Kylee and Khloe Howard; Faith Smith; Gracelyn
and Alayna Mcbride; Carson Wester; Jackson and Kallan Snow; Maverick Kinker; Deegan and
Daxton Carroll; Everly, Wyonna, Waylon, and Wrenlee Wester.

Phyllis never met a stranger. She loved talking to everyone she encountered about the goodness of
the Lord. Her faith was her foundation, and she shared it joyfully. She found delight in simple
pleasures—bargain hunting at her favorite store, Wal-Mart, going for car rides, and watching HGTV.
She also had a lifelong love for Mustangs, from her classic 1964 ½ model to her 2010, including the
special 40 th Anniversary edition.
Phyllis’s warmth, laughter, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all
who knew and loved her.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
Sebring, Florida
Online condolences may be left at
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com