Rev. Phyllis Anne Ruckle Earley, 72, formerly of Norfolk, Arlington, Poquoson and later Fredericksburg, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Born in Portsmouth Naval Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Philip Stephen Ruckle Sr., and Mary Smith Ruckle. She was preceded by her husband, Rev. Dr. James N. Earley II, brother Michael Ruckle and sister in law Debbie.
Phyllis lived out a life of faith, and service to others. She was a United Methodist clergy for 30 years in the Virginia Annual Conference, her last appointment was at Trinity in Alexandria, VA and was most recently attending Ebenezer and Tabernacle UMCs. Phyllis loved having the opportunity to meet and get to know people through the local church, during mission trips, working with youth and while traveling with James. They were frequently in Playa del Carmen, and were always planning their next trip, and looking for friends to invite along for the adventure.
Here to continue telling the family stories are her daughter, Alacia Harrison (Jeff); son Nathan Earley (Jenifer), grandchildren Zachary Kearns (Miranda), Xavier & Naomi Harrison, and great-grandchildren Adleigh, Nicholas, and Rory; and brothers Philip (Pat) and Jeff (Pam), brother in law Chris (Carrie) and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Rev. Earley’s life will be held at 11am, Friday November 7th at Ebenezer UMC, in Stafford, VA. Internment will be scheduled at a later date at Olive Branch Cemetery in Portsmouth, VA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center or Tabernacle UMC’s Little Free Food Pantry in Poquoson, Virginia.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. Atkins and his team at the Lombardi Cancer Center at MedStar Georgetown Hospital, and staff at Legacy Hospice.
(Source: https://www.briggsfh.com/obituaries/Phyllis-Anne-Earley?obId=46204749)