Phyllis Stevens

Phyllis Stevens, Hannibal, Missouri, left to meet her Savior on Monday, October 10, 2016 at St. Louis University Hospital. A Celebration of Life will be held for Phyllis at First Presbyterian Church of Hannibal on Saturday, October 15 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. that day at the church. Ministers are Nick Davis, Larry Veatch, and Matt Ver Meer. Jeff Hickerson and Toby Scribner will provide music. Interment will be in the Shelbina Cemetery. The family is being served by the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel in Hannibal. Phyllis was born in Clarence, Missouri on January 31, 1926 to Chester and Nell Smock. She attended Fairview Grade School for all eight grades, Clarence High School, Hannibal-LaGrange College for two years, and graduated from Culver-Stockton College. Dono Phyllis worked at the Hannibal-Courier Post, where she met her husband Jay. They were married June 6, 1946. They lived for years in the country outside New London where the tire swings, fishing pond, and home-cooked meals were for everyone to enjoy. Jay passed in 2000. Later Phyllis taught third grade at Pettibone School for three years. She then worked at the Juvenile Justice Center for many years caring for and helping kids of all ages and backgrounds. It was during that time that she came in contact with Jimmy Thompson, who was like a son to her. Phyllis was a member of the PEO LZ Chapter and held every office except Treasurer, which she refused to do. She was a charter member of the Hardee Party group. She was a long-time member of First Christian Church and for the last several years was a very active member of First Presbyterian Church, where she was a Deacon, attended a beloved Sunday School class, was active in the women's organization, and cared for many people. Phyllis is survived by her sister Wanda Jackson, Carterville, Illinois, who initiated cruising into her life, her brother-in-law Bill, cousins from Clarence and Hannibal, Chandler Thompson-Waelder, who was one of the great joys of her life, many whom she mentored, and a host of friends. Phyllis can best be described as having a servant's heart and spent her time helping and caring for others, whether in a nursing home, a troubled youth, a friend, or just someone needing a piece of pie or a cookie or a flower. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or Donor's Choice, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.