Phyllis A. Barnes, age 63, a resident of Wheaton, IL, went to be with the Lord, and her late husband Sylvester Barnes III, on April 21, 2019.  Phyllis was a devoted Christian who encouraged others to seek comfort in a close relationship with the Lord.  She was born to the late Martin Toombs and Stella (Evans) Toombs on June 9, 1955, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Phyllis was raised in Indianapolis and was the youngest of ten children.  She enjoyed spending time with her siblings, and was known for being a beautiful person, both on the inside and out, with a "glow" to her.  Phyllis categorized drinking coffee as her hobby.  She was known for starting her mornings with "at least two cups of coffee" while listening to music.  She loved music, with a special place in her heart for Smokey Robinson.

Phyllis attended Broad Ripple High School and was a cheerleader.  Phyllis excelled in high school and went on to attend Purdue University in West Lafayette.  While at Purdue, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.  She graduated from Purdue with a degree in child psychology in 1978, and also obtained her master's in education from Purdue University Calumet.

Phyllis had a gift and a passion for teaching.  She was a licensed teacher in the State of Indiana and taught for over 30 years.  As a teacher for Michigan City Area Schools, in Indiana, she primarily taught second grade students.  She cherished the educational growth and development of her students and her memories of them.  She was highly regarded and received numerous awards during her teaching career with Michigan City Area Schools.

During her time at Purdue, Phyllis met the love of her life, the late Sylvester Barnes III.  Together they developed a passion for taking long walks, attending concerts and going to movies.  They were married for 40 years.  At the beginning of their marriage, they were blessed with a son, Sylvester Barnes IV.

Phyllis' natural gift for teaching extended to her son every day.  She took special care and time teaching her son, made learning interactive and fun, and never let him give up.  She was an amazing mother and teacher through her natural warmth, kindness, and understanding, anchored through her relationship with God.  Kindness, patience, and listening to others, were some of the most important traits that she taught her son. She encouraged her family to keep God first and to always maintain a relationship with Him.

Phyllis and her late husband moved from Indiana to Wheaton, Illinois, in order to be closer to their son, daughter-in-love, and grandson.  The quality time that Phyllis spent with her grandson, and the bond formed between them, was priceless.  They loved talking about "Love Bug Vans" and "Route 66".  Phyllis enjoyed walking to the movies with her grandson and gardening with him.  She even grew a pumpkin for him one Halloween. Phyllis always looked forward to family vacations, family movie nights, and anything that allowed her to spend quality time with her family.

With cherished memories, Phyllis leaves behind her son, Sylvester Barnes IV, M.D., daughter-in-love Bertina Barnes, and grandson, Sylvester Barnes V. She is also survived by her siblings: Gloria Graham, Robert Toombs (Johnni Ross), and Charles Toombs. She is predeceased by siblings Mary Harrison, Eddie Toombs, Michael Toombs, William Toombs, Richard Toombs, and Donald Toombs. Phyllis will be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The visitation will be held Sunday, April 28, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL. The funeral service will be held Monday, April 29, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois.