Phyllis Jean Cawthon, age 91, of Quincy, went peacefully to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at Bickford Senior Living in Quincy, IL. She was born on June 27, 1929 in Hannibal, MO, the daughter of Alfred S. and Madora (Chandler) Baker. Phyllis met Frederick W. Cawthon, Jr. in Hannibal at the ice cream store, and they were married on April 14, 1950. He preceded her in death on May 6, 2015.

Phyllis graduated from Hannibal High School in 1947. Shortly after marriage, Phyllis and Fred moved to California, where he served in the Army, while she worked as part of the Civilian Dental Corps. Upon moving to Quincy, she focused her love and energy on raising her family. She later worked part-time at the former State Street Store. Phyllis and Fred traveled extensively in the continental U.S. and Canada, but their favorites were family vacations in Estes Park, CO and winters in Texas.

Phyllis attended Blessed Sacrament Parish and was active in her community. She was a regular volunteer in the St. Mary’s and Blessing Hospital Tea Rooms and helped with funeral luncheons. She was a longtime member of the Women’s City Club, where she enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends. She and Fred enjoyed square dancing together and were members of the Elks Lodge. Phyllis was a supporter of the arts and a regular attendee of the Quincy Community Theater productions.

Phyllis was a faithful, loving, and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She deeply cherished quality time spent with her loved ones. Phyllis had a keen memory for family history and enjoyed sharing stories and photos with anyone who would listen. She will be remembered for balancing both wisdom and grace with wit and spunk.

Phyllis is survived by her children: Mark (Karen) Cawthon, Brian (Bobette) Cawthon and David (Brenda) Cawthon, all of Quincy, IL; grandchildren: Eric (Mandi) Cawthon, Nicholas Cawthon, Jaclyn (Cody) Arens, Quinten Cawthon, Clayton (Niki) Cawthon, Olivia (José) Padilla, Ian Cawthon, Cheyenne (Rob) Hughes, and Brelyn Cawthon; great grandchildren: Wesley, Cooper and Brooks Arens, Ansley and Emerson Hughes, Nolan and Ava Cawthon, with an eighth due in December; siblings: Darrell (Ann) Baker of Huntsville, AL and Marjorie Smith of Elsberry, MO. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Phyllis moved to Bickford Senior Living in Quincy at age 89, where she found more loving family, friendship, and peacefulness. The Cawthon family wishes to thank the special staff and residents at Bickford for getting to know Mom, listening to her stories, and making a loving home for her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment will be in Greenmount Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday afternoon from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Camp Callahan, or Quincy Community Theater.