Phyllis Tollison Obituary

Phyllis Kimbrell Tollison, 94, of Columbia, SC, formerly of Wadesboro, NC died on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Born on May 11, 1931, in Rock Hill, SC, she was the daughter of the late Carl L. Kimbrell and late W. Vernelle Robbins Kimbrell.

She began her education at Winthrop College and continued her nursing training at Mercy School of Nursing in Charlotte, North Carolina. Throughout her life, Mrs. Tollison was guided by her strong faith and had a very loving and generous heart.

Her philanthropic nature was received by many organizations who cared for veterans, children, the environment and animals. Mrs. Tollison took great pride in her role as a mother and grandmother. Her legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Mrs. Tollison was the beloved wife of the late Robert “Bob” Tollison, with whom she shared 59 cherished years of marriage. A dedicated healthcare professional, she served her community as a registered nurse with compassion and grace. During her nursing career she served in many capacities that include with the American Red Cross, Flight Nursing, 8 years in the Emergency Department, and also as a Professional Standards Reviewer. In her review position, she ensured the necessity, appropriateness, and quality of medical care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. She was a recipient of a Psychiatric nursing award.

Survivors include her two sons, Robert B. “Cotton” Tollison, Jr. of Rockingham, NC, and Philip J. Tollison; daughter-in-law, Leigh Ann Tollison; and grandson, Brock T. Tollison, all of Columbia, SC.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” B. Tollison.

The memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1 o’clock at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Visitation will precede the service in the Narthex of the Church beginning at 12 o'clock. Burial will follow the service in the church memorial gardens. 

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

For those unable to attend, a livestream of the service will be available at ShivesFuneralHome.com/current-webcast/ 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be made to The Humane Society of South Carolina, 405 Greenlawn Drive Columbia, SC, 29209, or to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3909 Forest Drive Columbia, SC, 29204.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.