Phyllis Jean Field

Phyllis Jean Logsdon Field was born May 18, 1948 at Christian Welfare Hospital in East St. Louis, Illinois to Eugene and Verla Logsdon. They lived on 47th Street where Phyllis enjoyed her childhood- being sent to the corner grocery, playing cowboys and Indians with playmates, on one occasion throwing mud pies at the neighbor’s house and attending Woodrow Wilson Elementary. The family moved to Highwood Circle on September 17, 1960. She attended Grant Junior High in Fairview Heights, Illinois and graduated from Belleville Township High School. She attended Belleville Area College and in May of 1970 Southern Illinois University issued a diploma that culminated a calling felt at 10 years of age of being an elementary school teacher. She began teaching for the Cahokia School District at Huffman School in August of 1970. Her gift of teaching was amazing to watch as she effectively molded a class not only with academic learning but basic manners, life skills and love and caring for one another.

In January 1971 Phyllis, the talkative one, was introduced to Airman Marshall Field, the quiet one. These two opposites slowly found an attraction to each other that united them in marriage on March 24, 1973. A bundle of 'joy' made her appearance as Rebecca Joy in 1976. Brother Matthew Owen followed in 1978. Phyllis lived with her family at 334 Hollywood Heights Road for 34 years. The same number of years given to her vocation as a teacher! She enjoyed being a mother and nourishing the family. Always busy- canning from the garden, church activities, kids’ sports filled her time. Family vacations were an annual summer event. In May 2017 while attending a nephew's wedding in Minnesota we took the scenic path home via Fargo, North Dakota. Phyllis was so happy as this completed her goal of visiting all 50 states!

In 2008 Phyllis and Marshall moved to Columbia, Missouri to be closer to daughter Becca. This proved to be a wonderful experience for Phyllis, opening many opportunities for service. She loved her new hobby of quilting with the Compass Threaded Hearts group! Giving her creations as gifts to loved ones as well as for hospital newborns and others was a joy. Making lists involving dates gave her much satisfaction. Her Bible studies and prayer groups were a priority. Grandkids, nieces and nephews were always on her mind. Volunteering in the school library kept her in touch with teachers, books and the occasional interaction with the Kincheloe grandkids. Phyllis was an active member of Compass Church- volunteering in the church library and nursery.

Phyllis was diagnosed with Atypical Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in July of 2013. She took the call on the way to a St. Louis Cardinals game with friends. From that day it was a continual battle. In 2017 a splenectomy was performed with many complications that followed, and later that year an extremely aggressive kidney cancer showed itself beginning a fourth regiment of chemo. This lasted until April of 2019 when metastasis to the brain was diagnosed. Her great faith, courage and determination allowed her to endure many complications of the disease, suffering and pain. Always to the very end considering others before herself.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2019 5:00-7:00 pm at Compass Church (600 Silvey St.) Columbia, MO. Funeral services will be on Saturday, October 26, 2019 2:00 pm at Compass Church with visitation from 1:00-2:00 pm. Private family graveside service will be held at on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 1:00 pm in Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made Compass Church or Threaded Hearts (both at 600 Silvey St. Columbia, MO).