Lois Carolyn Phillips was born on September 10, 1942, to Johnny Logan and Ocie Melvina (Bowen) Holt.
She was born on Rogers Creek in Carter county behind Peck Ranch, where Mud Springs is known to be today. She departed this life on February 25, 2021, at her home in Eminence, Missouri at the age of 78. Carolyn was united in marriage to Merle Frank Phillips Sr. in 1960 and to this union three sons were born.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ocie Holt; her husband of nearly 57 years, Merle Phillips; two brothers, Ronnie and Doyle Holt; one grandson, Tyrel Phillips; one great-granddaughter, Harlie-Jo Phillips.
Carolyn is survived by her three sons, Allen and wife Deena Phillips of Birch Tree, MO; Merle Jr. and wife Kelley Phillips of Mountain View, MO; Greg and wife Holly Phillips of Winona, MO; her grandchildren, Colt and Kimberly Phillips, Alicia and Keven Cosgrove, Orrin and Mackenzie Phillips, Jared and Ashley Phillips, Jodie and Kraig Shomaker, Gretta Phillips and Darcy Phillips; her great-grandchildren, Allie, Lane, Clive, Connor, Hattie, Jackson, Finley, Noah, Adelyn, Kambree and Truman; her brother, Ray Holt; her sister, Reva McAfee; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Carolyn was a tough girl. Her family moved from Mill Creek and then out to Seattle, Washington when she was young as John had found better work. They soon moved back to Shannon County and lived on Stegall Mountain where her father worked, and Carolyn loved to call this place home. She attended multiple schools on Mill Creek, Horner, and then in Winona. Carolyn and Merle met on her senior trip to Alley Springs, where they hit it off great and were inseparable. Soon they were married and started their family in Eminence. In 1967, they moved to the farm where they spent the rest of their lives. Carolyn enjoyed the farm life, and she helped raise cattle and hogs and helped with the hay every year. She loved all her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids most of all. She attended various churches all throughout her life in Winona, Eminence, and Mountain View. She and Merle loved spending time with family and friends playing cards, playing church league softball, and going to high school basketball games. Carolyn was an excellent cook and hosted the best family holiday dinners. Later in life, she treasured the peacefulness of the farm, and spent most of her time sitting on her front porch, smoking, and watching the deer.
Carolyn was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She will be sadly missed by all those who knew her.
Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021, at Yarber Mortuary, Winona, Missouri with Pastor Troy McAfee officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00-1:00 p.m. also at the chapel. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Birch Tree, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
