(nee Johnson) - former resident of Joliet, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2013 at her residence in Glen Arm, Maryland. Age 87 years. She is survived by her daughter Joanne (Michael) George of Longmont Colorado and her son Willard (Leslie) Parrish of Abingdon, Maryland. Grandchildren Rebecca Lynne Parrish, Amaria (Jeremy) George Parker, and Gregory (Shana) George, two great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by her parents John Edwin Johnson and Clara Wilhelmina Johnson (nee Flint), two sisters Alberta Lauterbach and Rachel Sweet. Phyllis was born on December 11, 1925 in Joliet. Graduate of Joliet Township High School class of 1943, she afterward worked at the Joliet Arsenal supporting the war effort. She attended Iowa State University, graduating with a degree in experimental foods. After graduation, she worked for Pillsbury foods in Minneapolis participating in the early development of cake mixes and breakfast cereals. She returned to Joliet in 1954 and began her teaching career in high school home economics, retiring in 1986 as the chair of the Home Economics Dept. at the East Campus. After her retirement she devoted much of her time to the Silver Cross Advisory Board and the Encore Shop. Retirement also gave her more time to indulge her love of bridge, knitting, needlework, gardening and world travel. Her family was her pride and joy. A website has been created to share memories of her at www.forevermissed.com/phyllis-johnson-parrish. Funeral services will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Saturday, May 18 at 10:00 A.M. Interment Woodlawn Park. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Silver Cross Foundation will be appreciated. Visitation will be held Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M.