Phyllis Utley: A Hurricane Hero
Dublin Core
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Phyllis Utley: A Hurricane Hero
Description
This story was collected by Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance as part of the project Appalachian Phoenix. Read more on the Terpsicorps website.
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Some heroes lead with a plan—Phyllis Utley leads with heart. After Hurricane Helene, Phyllis sprang into action. She worked nonstop to make sure that people—and even animals—were safe, fed, and cared for. She connected organizations like Beloved Asheville with supplies, made sure those in the hardest-hit places were seen and supported, and did it all with the kind of warmth and light that earned her the nickname Lady Sunshine.
She held hands, cried with survivors, and offered hugs to those who had lost everything. Her presence was more than comforting—it was energizing. As one person said, “The sparkle in her eyes communicated that we were all going to be okay.”
She brought that same love and spirit to gatherings at First Presbyterian in Hendersonville, where volunteers and responders from around the country came together. Phyllis helped make it feel like home. It’s no surprise she was honored with an Outstanding Elder Award from Black Wall Street AVL for her extraordinary legacy of compassion and community care. Phyllis, your resilience and radiant spirit lit the way forward for so many. We are honored to celebrate you as a Hurricane Hero.
She held hands, cried with survivors, and offered hugs to those who had lost everything. Her presence was more than comforting—it was energizing. As one person said, “The sparkle in her eyes communicated that we were all going to be okay.”
She brought that same love and spirit to gatherings at First Presbyterian in Hendersonville, where volunteers and responders from around the country came together. Phyllis helped make it feel like home. It’s no surprise she was honored with an Outstanding Elder Award from Black Wall Street AVL for her extraordinary legacy of compassion and community care. Phyllis, your resilience and radiant spirit lit the way forward for so many. We are honored to celebrate you as a Hurricane Hero.
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Citation
Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, “Phyllis Utley: A Hurricane Hero,” Come Hell or High Water Community Memory Project, accessed December 5, 2025, https://helenehistory.omeka.net/items/show/904.