Phyllis Jane Allison lost her battle with the rare brain disorder called PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy), and passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at the Brown County Health & Living Community in Nashville. She was diagnosed with PSP in 2009.

Phyllis, a long time resident of Nashville, was the daughter of John Raymond and Marianne (Thomas) Allison. She was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, John P., Richard A., and David L. Allison. She is survived by sisters Patricia A. Walsh of Indianapolis, Martha L. Allison of Nashville; sisters-in-law, Faye and Elizabeth Allison; several nieces and nephews; great- and great-great-nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She will be missed by all.

The Allison family has a long history in Nashville. Phyllis’ great-great-grandfather, Captain George W. Allison, operated the Jacksonian newspaper in Nashville until March 1883. Alonzo Allison, son of Captain George, purchased The Brown County Democrat in 1884. He was editor and publisher of the newspaper. Phyllis’ grandfather, John Grover Allison, was a printer and editor of the newspaper.  Her great-grandmother, Jane “Jennie” Allison, known to all as “Grandma”, taught school and operated a millinery store called the “Lively Corner” in Nashville. She was well known and highly esteemed by the citizens of Nashville. Alonzo and Jennie built a large home on the northwest corner of Jefferson and Franklin streets, where hey raised their family. The house today is known as the Allison House Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Phyllis’ first job in Nashville was at Thickstun Restaurant on Van Buren Street across from the courthouse. The restaurant was there many years. She then went to work at Western Electric on North Shadeland Avenue in Indianapolis when she was 23 years old. Phyllis retired about 32 years with Western Electric, now known as AT&T. Moving back to her hometown, Nashville, she continued to work part time at many shops in the small tourist town.

A trait she never lost was her complete selflessness and compassion for others. She lived her whole life this way, even at her passing. She offered her body to science to aid in additional research toward curing PSP disorder.

Phyllis' remains will be laid to rest beside her mother and father in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nashville.

A celebration of Phyllis' life is planned for a later date.

Memorial contributions in Phyllis' memory can be made to Cure PSP: Foundation for PSP/CBD and related brain diseases, 30 E Padonia Rd., Suite 201, Timonium, MD 21093, or go to www.curepsp.org.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and employees who cared for Phyllis at B.C. Health & Living Community, where she resided since 2010. Also thanks to the nurses from Hospice of South Central Indiana, Inc.