Phyllis Ann Johnson

Phyllis Ann Johnson, 98, of Princeton, IL passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Liberty Village in Princeton.

Phyllis was born on July 26, 1926 in Ohio, IL, the daughter of Harold and Geniveive (Scully) Johnson. She married Elmer C. Johnson on September 18, 1948. He preceded her in death on May 14, 1997. Phyllis worked as a teacher with Ohio and Princeton School Districts for over 25 years before retiring in 1988. She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton, Retired Teachers Association and many bridge groups. Phyllis enjoyed playing bridge, golf and dancing. She constantly complained of poor cards and never able to lead.  Her golf game consisted of jumping to any open tee and almost never playing a complete round, and one of her last wishes at Liberty Village was for Joy to take her shopping for dance shoes.  Most of all, she loved caring for her family and spending time with them.  She was well-known for her caramel pecan rolls, taking most of the day to create.  She always had to have her purse because no one was allowed to pay for anything in her presence.  She really enjoyed playing Santa at Christmas time, surprising the family every time.  And many of her students have informed her that she was their favorite teacher, creating a fun way to learn math.

Survivors include three children, Debra (Scott) Bowen of Neponset, Paul (Denise) Johnson of Princeton and Ellen Johnson of Addison; son-in-law Frank Foley of Redwood City CA; daughters-in-law Joy Johnson and Mary Ann Johnson of Princeton; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.  Phyllis was also blessed with extended family: Christine Favre of Switzerland, whom Phyllis hosted as a foreign exchange student in 1977, and Deryl Johnson (no relation), formerly of Princeton, who generously donated a kidney to Phyllis’s son Steven.

She was preceded in death by three children, Michael Johnson, Pamela Foley and Steven “Pin” Johnson; her parents and three siblings, Marita Jaggers, Marge Cordrey and Robert “Bob” Johnson.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00am on Friday, May 9, 2025 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton with Msgr. James Kruse officiating. Private Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Princeton. Cremation Rites have been accorded.

Memorials may be directed to St. Louis Magi Baby Chest, In-Home Care Connection Hospice, and Friends of Strays.