Evelyn J. Phillips, 91, Bloomington, formerly of Heyworth, died at 5:28 a.m. Monday (Jan. 23, 2012) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday (Jan. 27, 2012) at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, with the Rev. Kurt Flora officiating. Burial will follow at Funks Grove Cemetery, rural McLean. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday (Jan. 27, 2012) at the memorial home.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Heyworth Christian Church.
Mrs. Phillips was born May 6, 1920, at Lincoln, a daughter of Charles and Emma Burkhart Stoltz. She married William J. Phillips Jr. on July 10, 1943, at Lincoln. He died Feb. 28, 2010.
Surviving are a daughter, Diana “Dee” Tarvin, Bloomington; five grandchildren, Heather (Travis) Young, Brentwood, Tenn.; Dawn (Josh) Phillips-Ohmart, Normal; William J. (Crystal) Phillips IV, Peoria; Stacy Phillips, Normal; and Christopher Phillips, Palatine; and four great-grandchildren, Reagan and Davis Young; William J. Phillips V; and Sophia Ohmart.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, William J. Phillips III; and three sisters.
Mrs. Phillips was a member of Heyworth Christian Church, Heyworth; was a former Brownie and Girl Scout leader; an avid reader; and die-hard Illinois State University basketball fan.
Evelyn graduated from Lincoln High School. She managed the candy department at Kresge and Sears, and later was assistant manager of Fannie May candies in Bloomington, retiring after 34 years. She was a connoisseur of candy to thousands of customers, helping them make the right selection.
Evelyn was a loving wife and mother, saving the greatest joy in life for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her loving family and countless friends made over the years. Her credo in life was: “If I have made you happy, for just a little while, I’m glad I came. Be kind to everyone, be jolly and try to touch people’s heart.”
