Phyllis Bowlin

CHARLESTON – Phyllis Ann Bowlin, 81, of Charleston, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026 at her home, surrounded by family. Phyllis lived a full and meaningful life. Rooted in her love of family, nature, working and creating beautiful things everywhere she went.

The funeral service honoring her life will be held 12:00 p.m. (NOON) Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Harmon officiating. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Phyllis was born September 22, 1944 in Coles County, Illinois, daughter of Ellis Alonzo and Eleanor Jane (Pforr) Gordon. She married Donald Bowlin, April 8, 1988. He passed away January 24, 2007. She is survived by her children, Darrell “Butch” (Marilyn Wells) Gordon, Kim (Dave) Hackett, Rodney Gordon, Dan (Rose) Bowlin, and Todd (Lydia) Bowlin; Nine grandchildren, Jaclyn (Andy) Pearcy, Ashley (Chuck) Horn, Austin Hackett, Jared Gordon, Sean (Erin) Hackett, Megan (Ned) Stults, James (Mercedes) Bowlin, Jesse Bowlin, and Levi Bowlin; eleven great-grandchildren, numerous great-great-grandchildren, two brothers, Paul (Kaye) Gordon and Harold (Edna) Gordon; and two sisters, Joyce Gordon and Donna Plummer. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, Lela Faye Gordon, two brothers, Richard Gordon and Flash Gordon, and a son, Doug Bowlin.

Phyllis worked at P.N. Hirsch on the Charleston square then worked at Mid-State Foundry as a Core Maker, then she retired from this job. Phyllis found immense joy in the most simple pleasures of life. She had a deep loving passion for gardening. She would spend countless hours watering, cutting, and planting flowers. In her pastime, she would walk for miles. She always had her loving companion, Topper, always by her side. He passed away a while ago, but his memory was always with her. Phyllis lived for her family. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all her great great grandchildren. She loved to the fullest, as well. She was a kind woman who always gave and never asked for anything in return. She was adored and loved beyond words. Phyllis was the heart and soul of her family. She will be extremely missed.