Phyllis Nigh Yochem, 97, beloved mother, birder and writer, died on September 8, 2023 following a short illness. She was born in Oak Park, IL on July 9, 1926 to Madalyn (Warren) and James Fuller Nigh. The family moved to Texas during the Great Depression. Phyllis graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1942 and attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO for two years before transferring to Northwestern University in Evanston, IL to complete her bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology.

After a brief stint working for a newspaper in the Bay Area of California, Phyllis returned to Corpus Christi and married John H. Yochem in 1951. They had three children, John, Stephen and Madalyn. Phyllis played an active role in her children's lives, serving as a Cub Scout and Camp Fire Girl leader, driver, cook, confidante, and biggest supporter. There were frequent trips down the beach to Big Shell and Little Shell, as well as summer camping trips to New Mexico and Colorado. John died of Parkinson's Disease in 2006.

Phyllis was a great believer in a liberal arts education and learning as a lifetime pursuit. She began studying Spanish after her children left home, and enjoyed traveling to the interior of Mexico to hone her skills. In the 1980s, she returned to CCSU (now TAMU-CC) and earned a master's degree in multidisciplinary studies.

In August 1990 she assumed the mantle of Kay McCracken, one of her birding mentors, and began writing a birding column for the Corpus Christi Caller Times. She previously wrote for the South Jetty in Port Aransas. Her passion for birding was apparent in every column published, and her approachable style and enthusiasm encouraged many backyard birdwatchers to become more actively involved in her favorite pastime.

Over the years, Phyllis was a member of the Junior League of Corpus Christi, Order of de Pineda, Cotillion Alegre, Pan American Round Table, Audubon Outdoor Club and Coastal Bend Audubon Society. She was especially proud of her membership in Las Parlanchinas, a group that allowed her to practice her Spanish with native speakers of the language. Phyllis and Johnny were members of a couples book discussion group that met monthly for more than 45 years.

Phyllis outlived most of her contemporaries but continued to make new friends wherever she went. For many years, she was a familiar sight on the sidewalks near her home, walking twice a day with her trusty blue walker. She attended Tuesday and Thursday Wisdom book discussion classes on Zoom for the last few years of her life.

Phyllis loved her evening beer, and beer and ice cream were the two staples that she (fervently!) believed most important to keep on hand. She was never too busy to listen to a friend; she was a kind, patient and happy person. Even as her world became fuzzier, her outlook remained positive. Her innate sweet disposition remained with her until the end.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and husband, as well as her younger sister, Carol Tyler, and grandson, Jack Yochem.

She is survived by her sons, John Yochem, Jr. (Gina) of Goliad, Stephen Yochem of Aspen, CO; daughter, Madalyn Yochem of Corpus Christi; grandson, Harry Yochem (Racquel) of Austin; devoted canine companion, Skeeter. Phyllis was looking forward to the birth of her first great grandchild this spring. Our world is a little less bright without her.

A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Saturday, October 28 at 10:30 am with a reception following in the church parlor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Phyllis' memory to the Audubon Outdoor Club ( https://www.audubonoutdoorclub.com/donate ), Pan American Round Table of Corpus Christi or a charity of your choice.