Mrs. Phyllis Jean Crisp passed away on September 29, 2026, in Oblong, Illinois, after a long period of failing health, leaving behind a life that was as colorful, lively, and memorable as a front-row seat at a Branson show with the volume turned up just a little too high.
Phyllis was born on October 27, 1938, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Frank Finkbiner and Ana (Hammond) Finkbiner, both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up with the kind of practical strength that aided her in a fast paced life. She left high school at the age of 16 to begin raising her family, and later, after her children were grown, she earned her GED. That was Phyllis in a nutshell. She did things in her own order, on her own terms, and somehow made it look like the rest of the world had been following her plan all along.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob Crisp, whom she loved and remembered throughout her life. Phyllis was also preceded by her son, Randall L. Doucet and a very special cousin, Sammy Finkbiner. She is survived by her sons, Terry A. Doucet and his wife Julie, and Kevin E. Sanders, along with her beloved grandchildren, Taira Lindsay, Anthony Doucet, Grace Tomlinson, Gene Doucet, Misty Ping, Andy Doucet, Brandon Doucet, and Sydney Sanders. She also leaves behind a wonderful legacy through her great-grandchildren, Jacob Booher, Isaac Booher, Ella Lindsay, Krista Doucet, Kaylin Doucet, Kolten Doucet, Bennett Tomlinson, and Gavin Doucet. Phyllis enjoyed traveling and visiting her family often. She moved back to Robinson, Il after the death of her husband, Jake, to be closer to family in her later years.
For many years, Phyllis sold Carolyne Emmons jewelry, a career that suited her well because she knew how to make things sparkle and how to make a conversation shine just as brightly. She had a gift for connecting with people, and her friendly, interesting, and spirited nature made her a natural at turning acquaintances into friends. She could talk to anyone, and before long they usually felt like they had known her for years. If Phyllis had been around in the age of social media, she would have had more followers than a parade and probably would have known each of them intimately.
Phyllis knew the Lord and attended Branson Gospel Sunday and Highland Avenue Baptist Church. She knew the Lord and loved gospel music.
She loved to travel and was, by all accounts, an impromptu tour guide wherever she went. Phyllis did not merely visit places. She collected them, remembered them, and then told everyone else exactly what they should notice when they got there. While living in Branson, Missouri, she volunteered at the Branson Public Library during the day and attended hundreds of shows and musical performances in the evenings. That schedule sounds less like retirement and more like a full-time commitment to joy, and Phyllis embraced it with enthusiasm. She became especially close to Mr. Luther Nallie of the Sons of the Pioneers Western-Swing Band and to Rhonda Vincent, the well-known bluegrass musician and singer. She also collected dozens of autographs from celebrities who passed through Branson.
Phyllis had a way of turning life into a story worth telling, and she was often the funniest person in the room without ever trying too hard. She was the kind of woman who could make a simple outing feel like an adventure and a family gathering feel like a comedy special.
Her life was a long and meaningful one, filled with family, faith, work, music, travel, and friendship. She will be remembered for her laughter, her curiosity, her spirit, and the way she made people feel welcome. Phyllis Crisp lived with heart, humor, and a style all her own, and those who knew her will long remember that she was not just friendly, interesting, and spirited. She was unforgettable.
Funeral services for Phyllis Jean Crisp will be conducted Wednesday October 7th 2026, at 1:00 pm in the Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, IL where family and friends will gather to share memories, tell stories and reminisce about their lives and Phyllis’. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 pm at Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, IL. Interment will follow funeral services in the Zion Cemetery (Big Creek) in rural Clark Country, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to go to College of the Ozarks ATTN: Advancement Office PO Box 17 Point Lookout, MO 65726
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