Phyllis G. Feken

Phyllis Grace (Eversole) Feken, age 86, died on Monday, February 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She resided at Shelbyville Manor since moving from her home in Shelbyville in 2023.

She was born on September 30, 1938, to Everett Boyd and Frances Lucille (Weakly) Eversole. She graduated from Millikin University in 1960 and began teaching instrumental music in Plymouth, Illinois. She married John H. Feken on March 21, 1964, and they enjoyed 43 years together before John’s passing in February 2008. In 1966, they moved from Saybrook, Illinois to the Eversole family farm located north of Shelbyville.

She had two sons, John Everett and Michael Lee Feken, and continued her teaching career in music in the Tower Hill School District. In the late 1970s, Phyllis left teaching and became a busy mom and farm wife. Phyllis led the choir at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Westervelt. She was the Adult Choir Director, Adult Bell Choir Director, Music Coordinator and served on the Property Committee at First United Methodist Church in Shelbyville. She coordinated the John Hawk Memorial Vespers program for many years. She also worked part time at Thompson-Kramer Music in Decatur and full time at the Pioneer Hybrid Corn Nursery and Pioneer Hybrid Soybean Facility in Shelbyville.

She was a gifted musician and educator, encouraging youth and adults to develop their musical talents.

She is survived by her sons, John Everett (Sara Ann) Feken of Dekalb, IL and Michael (Dawn) Feken of Westervelt, IL; three grandchildren, Kayla Lea Feken, Charles Joseph Feken, and Josephine Mae (Mikel) Welton; ten great grandchildren; five nieces and nephews; and her sister, Esther (Steve) Rhodes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; and sister, Wilma Eversole Woosley.

Services will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, 205 West Main Street, Shelbyville, IL 62565. A visitation will be held from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. Friday in the sanctuary and a memorial service following at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Debra Hamilton officiating. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church of Shelbyville or a charity of your choice in memory of Phyllis G. Feken.