Phyllis L. Burlison

Phyllis L. Burlison passed away on Friday, September 23, 2022, at Arcadia Care in Clifton. She was 89 years old. Phyllis was born on September 1, 1933, to David and Victoria Butler. Phyllis was a lifelong Kankakee resident who attended Kankakee High School. Phyllis married Olen Burlison on June 10, 1951, at Trinity United Methodist Church of Kankakee. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage. Phyllis worked for St. Mary’s Hospital as a CNA and later moved on to a clerical position. She retired on January 30, 1998, after 23 years of service. Phyllis attended Peoples Church in Bourbonnais. In the early years of Peoples Church, she was the lone soloist, and her gospel renditions would wet the eye of even the hardest soul. Phyllis loved the Lord, raised her kids in the church, and taught them about the love and forgiveness of Jesus. She taught them to love God and love people. Phyllis ministered to those in need wherever she went. She was an encourager, sending cards and caring words to those that God laid on her heart. Her day at the nursing home was not complete until she received phone calls from each of her children. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, David and Victoria Butler; her in-laws, Clemon and Nila Burlison; her husband, Olen Burlison; one son, Roger Burlison; and two grandsons, Micah Francisco and Matt Timm. Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Vickie (Vince) Francisco of Manteno, Brenda Burlison of Bradley, and Linda Burlison of Arizona; her son, Mark (Rhonda) Burlison; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitation for Phyllis will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Jensen Funeral Home of Kankakee, from 9:00AM – 12:00PM, with a funeral service beginning at 12:00PM. Immediately following the service, Phyllis will be laid to rest at Kankakee Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.