In Memory of Phyllis Ann Nichols

This evening, during choir rehearsal,
Daniel’s* arms moved gently in the rhythm of the choir’s harmony—
as if held by something beyond sound.

A dove that had flown by day suddenly turned its wings
and descended upon Knoxville.
And Daniel’s hollow chest rose with it,
following Ann of Oklahoma into the sky.

He who had guided with the beauty of sound—
a guardian of music and soul—
now stirred the weeping heart whose quiet volcano had burst into Springwater,
becoming rain that followed her heavenward.

From the beginning of Daniel’s journey in music ‘GaGa’ Ann had taught the beauty of sound with patient love and care.
Now, she has become a free angel.

Even tonight, during choir rehearsal,
she was still there—
gently lifting Daniel’s weary hand.

And so they walk together,
until that day comes.

– Note:

This poem was written in tribute to Phyllis Ann Nichols , who passed away today. She was not only the sole guardian of Daniel Johnson-Webb, our beloved Music Director, but also a quiet pillar of grace and musical devotion. Her life was a testament to the beauty of sound and the tenderness of care—offered not loudly, but faithfully, like a steady hand behind the scenes.

In the poem, I sought to capture the moment of loss as it unfolded during choir rehearsal, where Daniel’s gestures seemed to echo a deeper rhythm—one shaped by Phyllis’ guidance and care in his young age. The image of the dove descending upon Knoxville is both literal and symbolic: a visitation of grief, and a rising of spirit. Phyllis’ love, rooted in Oklahoma, now moves freely through the air, lifting Daniel’s hand even in sorrow.

The final lines speak to a spiritual companionship that transcends death. Phyllis’ legacy is not only in the music she nurtured, but in the quiet strength she gave Daniel to carry on. This poem is a small offering of gratitude—for the way Phyllis taught us to listen, to lead, and to love.

May her memory be a harmony that never fades.

* Daniel Johnson-Webb – Music Director of St. Mark United Methodist Church in Knoxville, TN. He is a Bas-baritone vocalist as well. [He has appeared in more than 300 performances on Broadway and is an extensive operatic performer, appearing in various roles with opera groups throughout the country. He has performed as a soloist with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, St. Louis Symphony and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, most recently as the baritone soloist in Orff’s “Carmina Burana.” – Knox TN Today]

© TaeHun Yoon, 11/05/2025