Phyllis Stiles Kinsland

Phyllis Stiles Kinsland

March 11, 1950 – August 25, 2026

Phyllis Stiles Kinsland, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and woman of faith, passed away surrounded by the love of a family whose lives were immeasurably blessed by hers.

Born on March 11, 1950, Phyllis grew up in Clyde, North Carolina, the daughter of Bill and Martha Stiles. The values of faith, family, compassion, and service that were nurtured during her early years remained at the heart of the life she built and the legacy she leaves behind.

Phyllis dedicated her professional life to the education of young children, with a special passion for helping children discover the gift of reading. She served for many years as a Title I Reading Specialist, first at Tuxedo Elementary School and later at Etowah Elementary School, where she eventually retired. Her work was far more than a profession; it was a calling. Through patience, encouragement, and a genuine belief in the potential of every child, Phyllis touched the lives of countless students and families throughout her career.

At the center of Phyllis’s life was her family. She and her beloved husband of 51 years, Steven, spent their adult years together in Mills River, North Carolina, where they raised their two daughters, Connie and Kelly. During this time in her life, Phyllis and Steven were influential members of Mills River United Methodist Church. Together they spent many years leading the Mills River United Methodist youth group, and then the Disciple Bible study. They shared many years leading teens and young adults, providing them with a living example of Christ’s love and compassion.

In their later years, Phyllis and Steven relocated to Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where they became loved and active members of Inman United Methodist Church. Their church family became an important part of their lives, providing a place to worship, serve, build friendships, and live out the faith they shared.

Their home was built upon love, family, and the many ordinary moments that, over a lifetime, become the most treasured memories. Phyllis found particular joy in being a Nana to her granddaughter, Elizabeth, who held a very special place in her heart.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Steven, and her parents, Bill and Martha Stiles.

She leaves behind her daughters, Connie and Kelly; her granddaughter, Elizabeth; her sisters, Betsy Jones (Gary), and Jan Smith (Rick); her brother, Mack Stiles (Nit); along with extended family, dear friends, former colleagues and students, and a church family who will remember her with great affection.

Phyllis’s life was one of quiet and lasting influence. She taught children to read, raised her daughters with love, cherished her family, walked faithfully beside her husband, and served her community and church. Although those who loved her will deeply feel her absence, the lessons she taught, the faith she lived, and the love she gave will continue through the lives of those she touched.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that Phyllis has been reunited with Steven and those who went before her, and in the promise of Christ that death is not the end. Her life was a blessing, her memory will be treasured, and her legacy will live on in every life made better because she was part of it.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” — Philippians 4:8

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to Access Health in Phyllis’s memory. https://www.accesshealthspartanburg.org/donate

All arrangements are entrusted into the care and under the direction of Harris-Nadeau Mortuary, 864-461-7788