Phyllis Jean Danks (84) of Mason

Phyllis Jean Danks, 84, of Mason, Illinois passed away on September 2nd, 2024 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood with a one-half hour visitation prior to the service. Pastor Kathy Lewis will be officiating. Interment will be at Arborcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2024 at the funeral home in Edgewood. If you would like to give something in memory of Phyllis, the family asks that you do something kind for someone. Whether it be a family member, friend, or stranger, do something for someone else just as Phyllis did during her time here. Each time you do, she will smile. The family requests that any monetary donations in Phyllis’ honor be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization that she faithfully supported, or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.

Phyllis was born on November 8, 1939 in rural Clay County, IL, the youngest of nine children born to Otto and Lottie (Smith) Willis. She graduated from North Clay High School with the class of 1957. Her meek, rural, Christian upbringing formed the humble servant that she became. On June 20th, 1958, Phyllis married Larry Danks at Louisville Methodist church, and they embarked on life together that spanned over 66 years. Phyllis and Larry, except for a very brief period living in the Detroit area, settled in rural Effingham County on the family farm. There they raised three children and enjoyed waking up each day to the serenity that the West Township sunrise brings. Phyllis was a lady of deep faith and spiritual conviction and was unapologetically faithful to her Lord. Service was her gift, and she wasted not a drop. Whether she was caring for family, neighbors, church family, or complete strangers, the level of compassion and service never varied. Her character can be seen throughout biblical truths, but none more than the living-out of Matthew 5:16, which says “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” In her humble, unassuming way she was a beacon of light that guided those who needed help into a safe harbor. Phyllis was musically talented, both instrumentally and vocally. Although never receiving any formal teaching, she could play many instruments, but mostly the piano. Her ability to listen to someone play a song and then sit down and repeat it without knowing how to read music, was God-given and more than a little astounding. She loved the old-time gospel music and traveled to too many churches to count, playing and singing not only the old standards, but newer songs she had discovered. She reveled in playing and singing with her sister Rosalee, or her daughters, or really anyone who wanted to join in. Later in life, she got to play music with her grandsons, and even star in a home video with one in a rousing rendition of “The Train Song”, a favorite of the grandkids. Playing and singing made her so happy, and you could see that joy in her face as well as on the faces of those who were lucky enough to hear her music. Not surprisingly, the various jobs that Phyllis held throughout her life were rooted in service, and service with a sincere smile. Whether waiting tables or working the register in a retail establishment, the customer was always right, and not because the employee handbook said so, but because that’s the only way she knew. When she said, “May I help you?”, it was not a rhetorical question. Phyllis’ hobbies more resembled hard work than leisure. For many years she maintained a vegetable garden. And her garden was a bit on the large side. Every summer, anyone who visited would for sure be asked “do you need some tomatoes?” before they left. It always seemed that she was operating the township garden and loving every minute of it. She has certainly earned hearing those words that she has looked forward to her entire life, “Well done good and faithful servant”. In giving her whole life to others, she has run the race. Now her crown awaits.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of over 66 years, Larry Danks of Mason; children, Nila Danks of Mason, Mary (Doug) Hennig of Charleston, and Bryan (Amy) Danks of Robinson; sister, Rosalee Burgess of Louisville, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Wade (Lindsey) Hennig of Edwardsville, Derek (Lauren) Hennig of Charleston, Clayton Danks and Zach Danks, both of Robinson; five greatgrandchildren, Noah, Clara, Adelynn, Caiden, and Elijah.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Aden, Rich, Dillard, and Herman; and sisters, Marzella, Velma, and Genelle.