Phyllis J. Mitchell, 89, of Galesburg, died at 11:40 a.m. Friday, November 20, 2020in Galesburg.
Phyllis was born in Galesburg on October 5, 1931, but soon moved to Brookfield, IL. After several years they moved to St. Joseph, MO and attended parochial schools. In 1947 her family moved to Galesburg and she attended Galesburg Senior High, graduating in 1949. Phyllis married William Mitchell on October 5, 1950 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg. Together they raised two daughters, Cheryl Mitchell and Nancy (Charlie Willis) Mitchell both of Galesburg. Phyllis has one sister, Dorothy (Roger) Peterson of Galesburg; as well as two nieces, Vicki (Jeff) Lamb and Gayle Peterson. Bill preceded her in death on October 18, 2016.
Phyllis retired after 35 years of working for Dr. Smart, Dr. Giles, and Dr. Flacco in health care. She also volunteered many years for the American Red Cross, was a member of Knox County Right to Life and St. Vincent DePaul. After many years of faithful service to the catholic church, Phyllis was awarded the Pierre Marquette award on November 21, 2004. Fr. J.O. Hunt Council 556 Knights of Columbus awarded the Phyllis and Bill as family of the year in 1997. Phyllis also received an award from OSF for service as volunteer of the year. She also served on many committees at OSF. Phyllis served many years on the board of Church Women United as treasurer. She co-chaired the annual God’s Portion Day Auction for several years. She served on the fundraising committee for the church renovation project and was secretary of the building campaign for the McAteer Parish Center.
Phyllis enjoyed traveling with Bill every year as well as spending time with the class of “49” and loved spending time with everyone. She also enjoyed ice skating with her Dad and snowmobiling with Bill.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic no public services will be held. Private family funeral mass will be at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg. Father William T. Miller will officiate. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be directed to the family for a fund to be designated at a later date. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
