Phyllis Josephine Keny

Phyllis Keny, 90, passed away Thursday, August 16, 2018. Born in Aberdeen, S.D. to Mae and Alphonse Zemlicka, she was very bright and talented in art and music, singing in the choir at Sacred Heart Church where her mother was the choir director/organist for many years. She attended Mt. Marty Catholic High School graduating in 3 years, then Northern State U. with a major in art. During that time, she performed as a singer at various campus venues. She tried out for a spot on the Laurence Welk traveling show in the Dakotas, before the age of TV. She won the tryout but her father wouldn’t allow her to accept. At 19, she married Bill Wright, Jr., who was playing minor league baseball in Aberdeen, and moved to his hometown of Knoxville. She stayed at home to raise their five children. She had several friends who loved to discuss books and issues of the times. She also enjoyed her sorority and sang at many club events. She was a voracious reader and knowledgeable about a wide range of topics. When her youngest child entered school, she returned to college at UT and got a degree in education. She taught reading in special ed and dearly loved her students. In later years, she enjoyed her life with her 2nd husband, John Keny. She loved watching Vol football and shopping with her daughter, Sara, who lived close by. She developed Alzheimer's disease 10 years ago and was lovingly cared for by local family, primarily son, Steve, and a wonderful caregiver, AudreyDavis. When she became unable to travel, her siblings visited her every year in Knoxville. Her extended family got together at these times in the Smokies and it was always a fun reunion. She is preceded in death by husband John Keny, sons, Steven and Barry, and daughter Sara. She is survived by son Bill Wright III (Luanna), daughter Cassie Zalewski (Don), stepson Neal (Alyssa) Keny-Guyer, grandchildren Bradley, Jessica, Lindsay, Kacey and Landon, great-grandchildren Maris and Gus, sister Barbara Regan, brother John Zemlicka, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Oakwood Senior Living and Avalon Hospice for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at,support.brightfocus.org. There will be a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 20, 2018 at Greenwood Cemetery.