Phyllis Howard Sprow Van Fleet known to all affectionately as “Nannie” age 94, passed away May 12, 2025 at Lynn Care Center in Front Royal, Virginia. She had a sharp mind until the end which she felt was a blessing from God. She tried to use it to help others, and always hoped they would benefit from her stories of life.

Phyllis was born on July 26, 1930 in Nanticoke Hospital in Nanticoke, PA to the late Mary Walton and Phillip Howard. She was an only child and counted each and everyone of her friends along the way as her family.

Nannie began her education in a two room school house in Avondale, PA. It had 1st and 2nd grade on one side and 3rd and 4th on the other. Two teachers, one for each of the two grades. Her father was a coal miner and moved his family to Plymouth when she was in 3rd grade. Her parents separated when she was 9, and Nannie was raised by her mother. She graduated from Plymouth High School, class of 1948. Until the time of her passing she kept in touch with classmates. She treasured their friendships, some going back to 3rd grade.

Phyllis married James A. Sprow and they moved with their three children (Micker, James “Fussy”, and Keith) to Roxbury Township when he became employed with AT&T. All three children graduated from Roxbury High School. At the time of his early death at 45, James was mayor of Roxbury Township and referred to as an icon.
Phyllis was married for the second time to Charles A. “Buckey” Van Fleet. Their marriage only lasted for nine months before Buckey died of cancer. At the time of Buckey’s untimely death, he too was mayor of Roxbury Township.

Phyllis was also known as a hard working achiever and felt a good mind was a sin to waste. A trait she instilled in her children and grandchildren. She took great pride in working as an OBGYN office assistant for 29 years taking care of all aspects of the busy practice. The practice was OBGYN Associates of Morris NJ, where physicians were held in high esteem by their colleagues and patients. She was only 26 years of age when she began and still remained friends with most of the “girls” she hired and trained.

She attended County College of Morris and completed a part time nursing program, received her Accelerated Office Automation Program Certificate from The Cittone Institute, and held a certificate to teach English as a Second Language. Although not presently active, Nannie was a proud member of Redeemer Lutheran Church (Succasunna, NJ) where she taught Sunday school for 20+ years, and served as the first female President of the Church Council. She was also the first female President of the Roxbury Township Planning Board, and a past President of the Roxbury Elementary PTA, which included four schools at the time. The betterment of children was always her goal.

Nannie was proceeded in death by her daughter MaryEllen “Micker” Sprow Madden in 2009, and her son James David “Fussy” Sprow in 2011. She is survived by her youngest son Keith Allen Sprow (Wife: Rhonda) of Florida. Among her treasures are her four granddaughters: twins of Micker, Abigail “Abi” Beth Santiago (Husband: Jeremai), Amanda “Mandee” Bryn Madden (Wife: Randi) and Keith’s daughters, Alana Marie Sprow Philcox (Husband: Evan) and Lauren Ariel Sprow Oetting (Husband: August). In addition, Nannie was blessed to be a great grandmother to five great grandchildren (Jeremai Esaias Jr., 10; Tyson Davis, 8; Sedona Rae, 11; Ava Dorthy, 6; August Maximus, 4).

Nannie lived out her last years in Virginia with her best friend Rue (a Yorkie) and passed peacefully. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Nannie knew she was one of a kind. She loved a perfectly matched outfit, a stiff frozen margarita, and a $2 scratch off. Most importantly though, she loved her family dearly and valued her lifetime friendships.
Nannie gave specific instructions before her passing that her life be honored with a big celebration and few tears. She wanted to be remembered as an independent thinker and fashionable, two traits she exemplified until the end.

In lieu of flowers, Nannie requested donations be made to a local charity of your choice in her honor. She always said if she hit the powerball one day that would have been her first act of kindness. No formal services will be held, but the family will provide information for her celebration of life when plans are made.

Locally… Arrangements are by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 973-584-7264