Phyllis Blackhurst

Phyllis Pryor Blackhurst, 87, of Washington, died June 13, 2014, after a lengthy illness, with her loving family by her side. Born in Deemston on May 4, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Emmett Pryor and Ermina Pryor Hess. Phyllis was a 1945 graduate of Centerville High School and attended The Washington Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1948. She also attended California University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1968, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Phyllis worked as a registered nurse at the Washington Hospital from 1948 through 1965. In 1966, she became a school nurse for the Washington School District, retiring in 1987. She was a member of Fairhill Manor Christian Church, where she sang in the choir, and a member of the Order of Eastern Star. She was involved in thoroughbred horse breeding for 14 years. Phyllis was devoted to her family. On April 15, 1950, she married Robert C. Blackhurst, who died July 17, 1975. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert E. Pryor and Ronald F. Hess. Surviving are her son, Thomas P. (Karen) Blackhurst of Washington; and three granddaughters, Natalie Ryland (Jim) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Bethany Blackhurst (fiancé Phillip Rooney) of Pittsburgh, and Vanessa Rush (Fred) of Charlotte, North Carolina. Friends will be received Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 17th. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Memorial contributions may be made to Washington Health System School of Nursing, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301, or to Fairhill Manor Christian Church, 351 Montgomery Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.