Born in Boone County on February 20, 1938 to Bradford and Myrtle (Phillips) Barkwell, Phyllis joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) after high school and met her future husband while serving in the military. William and Phyllis were united in marriage on December 27, 1957. They were both honorably discharged in 1958 and were very proud of their service to their country.
Phyllis worked for GTE as a telephone operator for many years. Even long after her retirement, her favorite thing to do was talk on the telephone! Phyllis enjoyed quilting and loved making quilts for family and friends. She was also an avid reader. Even after she lost her sight, she went through audiobooks so fast that the Society for the Blind had a hard time keeping up with her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill; son, Greg; mother, Myrtle Moore; stepfather, Billy Thomas; and sister, Linda Williams.
Phyllis is survived by five siblings: Mary (Bill) McQuegge, Jerry (Pamela) Thomas, Billy Ray (Debbie) Thomas, David (Cherie) Thomas and Emily Edwards; two grandchildren: Nabhira Renée (Tizmo Joel) Mascorro and Zech Paul Ogden; as well as four great-granddaughters: Elspeth, Adaline, Juniper Rose and Guinevere Ogden.
Friends will be received at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia on Monday, July 22 at 1:00 PM, with the funeral service immediately following at 2:00 PM. Phyllis will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors.