Peggy Jean Phillips, age 89, of Rockford, Illinois passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026. She was born February 12, 1937 to Willy and Molly (Fields) Salyer in Dante, Virginia. Jean married the love of her life, Edward Phillips on April 15, 1955 and they spent 67 wonderful years together before he passed in 2022. She worked at the Blue Star potato chip factory before she became a homemaker. Years later she and Edward purchased two gas stations which they operated for 10 years.
Jean’s life was filled with country music, it was her constant companion. She liked going on bike rides on her banana seat bike and gardening her flowers. She loved to make homecooked meals. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.
Jean is survived by her children, Edward Phillips Jr and Teresa Phillips-Voll; grandchildren, Bruce Phillips and Elisa Phillips; great-grandchildren, Levi Jones and Jackson Antonucci; sister, Arlene Lucas; and in-laws, Roger Phillips, Carol Ramsey, and Lois (Don) Dabbs.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Phillips Sr; parents, Willy and Molly Salyer; siblings, Margaret Little, Shirley Zellers, Ginny Salyer, Carl Salyer, Buford Salyer, Arthur Salyer, and Fletcher Salyer; along with in-laws, MaryAnn Phillips and Doug Ramsey.
Visitation for Jean will be held 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 24 at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 W State St, Rockford, IL 61102 with funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial at Willwood Burial Park.
