Phyllis Lee (Cox) Carlson, beloved wife, mother, grandma, and teacher, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2021.  Phyllis was born on June 16, 1945, in Springfield, Missouri, the daughter of Adrian Ervin Cox and Beth (Snyder) Cox.  Phyllis grew up in Republic and was a charter member of the Jig-A-Longs square dance group which appeared on the nationally broadcast Ozark Jubilee.  Phyllis was a fabulous cook and learned to make her famous pies while working at her Aunt Ruth's downtown diner, Republic Sundries.  Phyllis attended Republic High School where she was crowned "Miss Tigress" in 1961.  Phyllis was a debate team member and a cheerleader for Republic's state championship basketball team.  Phyllis graduated valedictorian of her high school class in 1963.

Phyllis attended Southwest Missouri State where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority majoring in English and later earning a master's degree.  On August 18, 1967, Phyllis married the love of her life, Donald Carlson.  Beloved by their community, Phyllis and Don's wedding at Republic's First Christian Church had so many guests people had to be seated everywhere, including the choir loft.  Don and Phyllis were married for 48 wonderful years.

Phyllis was a teacher at Central, Parkview, Phelps, and Kickapoo, where she was head of the English Department.  She always took her stack of papers to grade along to Don's basketball games.  Phyllis was a lifelong learner and an avid reader who loved discussing archetypes in literature and "big ideas" with her students.  Phyllis was a 50-year member of Central Christian Church.  She treasured the fellowship of her Bible Study Forever group, and they explored topics of spiritual growth together for over four decades.

Phyllis came from a long line of strong women, and she celebrated being the mother of two daughters. Phyllis loved her daughters' husbands as her own sons, and she happily dispensed her "mother-in-law wisdom" to both.  Phyllis adored her role as "Grammy," and attending her grandchildren's events brought her much joy.  Her love language was "Gift Giving," and her overflowing generosity, positive outlook, and kind spirit will live on.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister Libby West.  Phyllis is survived by daughters Natalie Allen (Geoff) and Christine Keller (Mark), and five cherished grandchildren, Zach, Libby, Katie, Alyssa, and Miles, sister-in-law Carol Bock (Kurt), special cousins Elizabeth Bolton and Jeanie Erb, four nieces, one nephew, and many treasured friends.

From poems, to books, to letters of encouragement and cards of gratitude, Phyllis loved to write!  Phyllis was well known for her editing skills, and we wish she could use her trusty red pen to proofread this obituary.  Mom, as you review our writing from heaven, we hope we did you proud.

A memorial celebration honoring the life of Phyllis Carlson will take place on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Central Christian Church, with visitation immediately following in fellowship hall.  Family requests masking at service.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Phyllis Carlson Memorial, Central Christian Church, 1475 N. Washington Ave., Springfield, MO, 65802. Online condolences may be done at www.gormanscharpf.com.

The family kindly asks that you wear a mask at the service for Phyllis.