Phyllis Jo DeVliegher Sloyer

Sloyer, Phyllis Jo DeVliegher Phyllis Sloyer, age 64, died on November 27, 2016, in Panama City, Republic of Panama, after a long battle with cancer. She was enjoying a Panama Canal cruise with her husband Bob and his mother and sister. Phyllis was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, on August 18, 1952, to Carl and Mary DeVliegher and was the eldest of four children. Phyllis moved to Florida in 1972 to attend Florida State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in public administration. She also obtained doctorate in public administration from LaCrosse University. Phyllis’ professional commitment to children’s health, especially children with special health care needs was evident throughout her career. She had an accomplished career in state government retiring as director of Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Network. She was also employed at the Institute for Child Health Policy at the University of Florida. She served on several state, federal, and national boards and committees related to maternal and child health, including the Florida Healthy Kids Board and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council. She had served as president of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs and received several honors and awards including honorary fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the University of South Florida Public Health Woman of the Year and national leadership awards in maternal and child health. . Phyllis was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church and served on the St. Agnes Altar Guild, Flower Guild, Knit Together ministry, and the Press Club. She considered St. John’s as her second family. She was also a member of the LeMoyne Center for Visual Arts. Her first commitment and love was for her family. Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents and niece, Julie Puscher. She is survived by her husband, Robert W. Sloyer Jr., siblings, Philip DeVliegher (Xen Nicolaidis), Mary Kinzell (Mike), and Barbara Puscher (Wil), stepsons Robert W. Sloyer III and Paul Edward Sloyer (wife Lisa and daughter Ellie), and a niece Ashley Waters. A visitation will be held at Bevis Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, 2710 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee. A funeral celebration with Holy Eucharist will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. A reception at the church will be held following the funeral celebration. A private family burial service will be held later in the day. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 211 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301-7619 or the American Academy of Pediatrics, Friends of Children for the CATCH Program, P.O. Box 776437, Chicago, IL, 60677-6437. Scotti Thompson is assisting the family with their arrangements. www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193.

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Phyllis Jo DeVliegher Sloyer

August 18, 1952 - November 27, 2016