Phyllis Lewis

Phyllis Dockins Lewis, 98, of Jackson passed away Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Feb. 1, 1906, in Sparta, Ill., the daughter of Harvey and Margaret Cox McManus. She and C. P. "Pal" Dockins were married March 19, 1923. Pal passed away Dec. 2, 1961.

Phyllis and Pal owned and operated the former Dockins Grocery & Produce Store in Burfordville many years, where both served as postmasters. Phyllis was a charter member and past president of the former Burfordville Homemakers Club. She was active in the Burfordville Baptist Church and was a former Sunday school teacher in the youth and adult departments.

On Jan. 29, 1972, Phyllis married Richard Lewis. She retired as postmaster on Sept. 28, 1973, and then sold the store. In 1976, she and Richard moved to Jackson and were members of the First Baptist Church, where Phyllis was one of the oldest members. They remained active until January 2002, when Richard suffered broken bones from a fall and moved to the Lutheran Home. Phyllis followed and resided in an assisted living apartment. Richard passed away July 15, 2004, and in November 2004, Phyllis became quite frail and moved from her assisted living apartment to the skilled facility at the Lutheran Home.

Loving survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Donna Dockins of Jackson; daughter and son-in-law, Ruth and Woodrow Colyer of Jackson; three stepsons and their wives, Dr. Robert "Bob" and Jean Lewis of Keyport, Wash., Dick and Kay Lewis of Pearl River, N.Y., Don and Becky Lewis of Brazeau, Mo.; and stepdaughter, Mary Ann Haynes of Cape Girardeau.

Also surviving are five grandchildren and their spouses, Brennan and Martha Colyer of Farmington, N.M., Greg Colyer, Scott and Donna Colyer of Jackson, Christi and Rick Guilliams, Jamey and Dee Dee Dockins, all of Jackson; eight great-grandchildren, Lynda McLaughlin and husband Kyle, Ellyn Colyer, all of Farmington, N.M., Philip, Chelsie, Rachel, and Melissa Colyer, Rebecca Guilliams, Madalyn Dockins, all of Jackson; a great-great-granddaughter, Layne McLaughlin of Farmington, N.M.; 10 stepgrandchildren, and 15 great-stepgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, John, Frenton, Ralph and Floyd McManus; two sisters, Nola Nothdurft and Della McDonald; and a great-granddaughter, Callie Dockins.

Friends may call today from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Revs. Raymond V. Epps and Carter Frey officiating.

Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Burfordville Baptist Church, the First Baptist Church in Jackson or Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson.