Phyllis Taylor Montgomery Wrenn 94 died Friday January 2 2009.She was born on May 28 1915 in Fitchburg Massachusetts to the late Carlisle Frances and Mabel Partridge Taylor.After high school Phyllis attended Posse Nisson School of Physical Education a Sweedish school for physical education in Kendal Green Mass. She graduated in 1937. While there she was active in all sports. In her 3rd year of school she was selected captain of the basketball team. She also served as Vice President of her class for one year and as President for 2 years. Phyllis was voted most popular best natured best sense of humor and the one who did the most for the class. In 1938 she graduated from Ithaca College with a BS in physical education and a minor in history. While a student at Ithaca she taught tennis and volley ball at Cornell University. Following graduation she remained in Ithaca New York and worked in physical education in all grade levels and was also an assistant hockey coach at Ithaca College.She married Robert D. Montgomery in 1940 and they had two children Robert Donald Montgomery Jr. and Elizabeth Jane Montgomery. She continued to teach until the birth of her second child. Phyllis returned to Fitchburg Mass. while her husband served in World War II. Living with her parents and grandmother she managed to save her husband's pay to go toward the purchase of their own home upon his return. Following the war she worked part time as a physical education teacher until her husband's job relocated them several times ending up in Greensboro NC in 1950. She continued part time teaching in health civics math and physical education classes.After the death of her husband in 1960 she worked with the Department of Social Services in Greensboro N.C. She married Clement Wrenn in 1965 and moved to Raleigh N.C. where she worked as a Court Counselor for the Wake County Juvenile Court. She had a 15 year career as a Probation Officer and retired in 1980 at the age of 65. A reception was held in her honor to celebrate her hard work and dedication. Governor Jim Hunt praised her for her contributions. In 1981 she was notified of the opening of a Juvenile Crisis and Rehabilitation home in her honor. "THE WRENN HOUSE" served as a shelter for troubled youth who were a threat for running away from home. This home served more than a 1000 youth and in 1996 a new house was dedicated in her honor. Following retirement Phyllis moved to Asheville N.C. Her husband died less than a year later. In retirement as in the rest of her life she stayed very active. She became a 4 league bowler. She served as secretary in several leagues. She was active in the local state and national tournaments traveling to 34 of our 51 states. She earned a Gold Medal in the State Senior Citizens Olympics in 1988 at the age of 73. She was also busy with crafts when she was not bowling. She and her father-in-law formed the "Happy Valley" craft duo. Together they made and caned wooden stools designed and made book racks wine racks and wooden trivets. They sold their crafts in shows and street fairs. She also refinished furniture and did chair caning. There wasn't anything that she tried that she could not do. She had such a positive attitude and the ability to make those around her feel better.Phyllis was a loving Daughter Sister Mother Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She was a Friend to all who knew her. She is survived by two children Bob Montgomery of Newberry SC and Betty M. Davis of Chapel Hill NC; two stepdaughters Sue Ann Wrenn of Monroe NC and Kathy W. Johnson of Virginia Beach VA; 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents Mabel and Carlisle Taylor her husbands Robert Montgomery and Clement Wrenn Jr. and her brother Lowell Taylor.A private family service will be held at a later date.The family suggests memorials be made to Haven House Services 706 Hillsborough Street Suite 200 Raleigh NC 27603.Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.