Phyllis Jean Johnson

Phyllis Jean (Fuller) Johnson, 92, of St. Joseph (formerly of Stevensville) passed away peacefully on August 9, 2020, at Caretel Inns of St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held on Monday, August 17, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Lincoln Township Cemetery, 5055 St. Joseph Ave., with Pastor Jim Morgan officiating. Out of respect for the family and guests attending, please wear your mask and follow the proper social distancing guidelines. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BCF-Lakeshore Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 25, Stevensville, Ml 49127; or Caring Circle of Lakeland, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Ml 49085. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Phyllis was born February 11, 1928, in Benton Harbor to the late William and Helen (Mead) Fuller. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School. She married her late husband, R. James “Jim” Johnson on August 29, 1953. The two were happily married for 18 years before Jim passed away in 1971. Phyllis and Jim enjoyed spending time with their friends going canoeing and skiing. They also loved to go up to Thunder Lake in Fountain, MI, where they had a cottage and would never head home before they were able to stop at The Tavern for a delicious burger. After Jim's death, Phyllis worked for Great Lake Building Service until she retired at the age of 80. She was a proud member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Baroda. Phyllis also liked to attend musicals and plays with her friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother and will be missed dearly by all who knew her. Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Joseph) Vargo of Benton Harbor and Barbara (Kenneth) Mach of St. Joseph; and her very special grandson, Steven Mach and his fiancé, Harley Statler. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents, William and Helen Fuller; sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Allen Umphrey; and nephew, William Umphrey.