Evelyn Serina (Phillips) Hysell

Evelyn was planning her 100th birthday, however, the Lord called her home on Aug. 21, 2013 to be with her husband Don and daughter Debbie. She was the 9th child of a 9th child and born in Boston, MA, to Arthur B. Phillips & Josie V. Garrish Phillips on May 1, 1914. Evelyn was a very gifted musician with a love for jazz. At the age of 12, she started playing the violin and continued through William Chrisman High School and on to the Independence Symphony. She had a keen sense of pitch and sang with the Cantanince All Girls Chorus, Wadamnas, A Cappella Choir, Rhythmatics Professional Trio, radio stations WHB and KMBC (Brushcreek Follies) and the Kit Kat Klub Revival. She also sang with the Marshall Pool and the Paul Page bands. While on tour, she met her husband Don who was the drummer with the band and they made beautiful music for over 63 years. Her last gig this month was at Overland Park Place with the Shining Stars, where she was still harmonizing and singing for 'older folks.' Preceding her in death were her parents, 8 siblings, her husband and a daughter. Surviving is her sister, Virginia Bryce (Robert); daughters: Patricia Rodina (Robert) and Donna Lawrence (David). She also leaves 5 grandchildren: Robert Lawrence, Donald Lawrence (Jeanette), Dennis Lawrence, Sue Wells (David), Kent Rodina (Lora), and Debbie Severino (Scott); 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She leaves one 'adopted' daughter, Diana Marston. She lived a long life and did it her way. In lieu of flowers, Evelyn requested memorial contributions to Children's Mercy Hospital Cancer Research, memo: Debora Sue Hysell, 2401 Gillham Rd., KCMO, 64108. Visitation will be Sunday, 8-25-13, from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., with service to follow at 3:00 p.m., at McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS. McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204, 913-642-3565 www.mcgilleyhogememorialchapel.com