Hundreds of people turned out to say a final farewell to Ottery’s much-loved tourist information centre manager.
More than 250 people attended a thanksgiving service on Wednesday to pay their respects to ‘life and soul’ of the party Phyllis Baxter, who died last month, aged 73.
The Citizen of the Year for 2017 has been remembered fondly for her love for the town, organising many local events and her photography skills.
Those in attendance were encouraged to wear red, which was Phyllis’s favourite colour.
The Reverend Steve Weston said: “She was the life and soul of the party. She was the glue that held our community together. We will feel her loss most deeply.”
Glyn Dobson, who spoke at the service, said: “She loved Ottery and Ottery loved her.”
Grenville Gilbert, who also wrote a poem in memory of his friend, told the crowd: “She was heart and soul of the town and the church.
“Her departure is going to leave a huge hole in this place.”
A retiring collection will be donated to the Friends of Ottery St Mary Church, of which Phyllis was a life member.
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