Phyllis Winters

Phyllis Ann Winters, 67, of Equality Illinois, passed away February 24, 2023,
at Ferrell Hospital surrounded by her family after a long battle with cancer.
She was born in Rosiclare, Illinois, to Bill Brown and Irene Tolbert on April 8,
1955. She grew up in Rosiclare with her two brothers and 2 sisters. She
was a proud graduate of Rosiclare High School Class of 1974.

She is survived by her loving partner of 30 years, Steve La; Son Calvin
(Peggy) Winters of Rosiclare and daughter, Lynette (Roger) Poston of Cave-
in-Rock; Grandchildren: Teri Winters, John Winters, River Winters, Robert
Presley, Carrie (Gary) Barker, Zachary Presley & Gabby (Austin) Ford;
Great-grandchildren: Eretria, Rosalie, Brileigh, Lyla, Zander, Carson, Ryder,
Hudson & Remington; Sisters: Barbara (Ray) Clanton of Salem, IL, Clara
Burklow of Equality IL; Brother: Robert Tolbert of Marion, IL; Niece and
caregiver Ann Back as well as a host of other nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; Bill Brown and Irene Potts; Brothers:
Bo Tolbert, Clifford (Tiger) Brown, Timothy Brown and Ronnie Brown;
Grandparents: Pat Tolbert and Marie Smith.

Her early years were spent in Rosiclare IL with her brothers and sister. Bo,
Phyllis, Robert, and Barb were close knit and protective of one another and
the Tolbert “gang” was involved in many shenanigans. At age 13, she
became a big sister again and helped raise her baby sister, Clara. This was a
bond that lasted a lifetime. It wasn’t long after the birth of her sister that
nieces and nephews and her own children started arriving. Terry Lee was
first, followed by her own son, Calvin. Then in quick succession was Dana,
Lisa, Stephanie, Ann, Paula, and Jonathan then her daughter, Lynette. The
line continued with Clint, Rachel, Caitlin, Kyle, and Kaleb. Aunt Phyllis always
had a house filled with kids and she could be found at the table surrounded
by kids teaching them all her skills at Yahtzee, Rummy, and Spades. She
had a beautiful voice, and every day was filled with everyone singing her
favorite country and gospel songs.

Phyllis was a caregiver at heart and was always taking care of someone. She
became a friend to the friendless and often offered food, support, and
childcare to those who needed it. Her house was always a refuge for anyone
in need.

Her greatest joy came from her children, Calvin, and Lynette. She loved
them beyond measure and was always happiest when she could spend time
with them. When the grandkids started arriving, she was ecstatic. Teri Ann
and John Russell were the apple of her eye and when River came along and
lived with her, she was in heaven. The addition of bonus grandkids Robert,
Carrie, Gabby, and Zach was the icing on the cake. Then great-grands

Carson (grandma’s jewel “Jade”) and Eretria (grandma’s fiery redhead)
added to her joy as well as Rosalie, Brileigh, Lyla, Zander, Carson, Ryder,
Hudson & Remington.

The love of her life entered the family in the early 90’s. Steve La was her
partner and best friend. He became the best protector and caregiver to her
when she became ill. He cared for her every day and made sure she had
everything she wanted or needed. His presence brought the love and peace
that she so much deserved.

Her sister, Barb also was a constant support and often stayed with her at
home and in every hospital around. The “night owls” would often talk and TV
and Facebook all night long. Her niece, Ann became her caregiver the last
several years and was the best care coordinator. She gave her the best care
and made sure there were equal amounts of love and laughter.

She had a strong faith in God and gave her life to Him many years ago. Her
favorite place of worship was Honeycomb Church of God. She frequently
wrote uplifting content for FB group Angels of Serenity and had an active
prayer group for those in need. The family is comforted knowing that she is
rejoicing with the Angels and is now with her Mom and Grandma Smith and
Grandma Julie.

Phyllis will be missed by so many but hers was a life well lived and most
importantly it was a Life Well Loved.