Phyllis Reese

Phyllis McFarland Reese, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She was 85 years old.

Phyllis was born on December 7, 1940, in Alpharetta, Georgia, to Herschel and Evelyne McFarland. She grew up with a strong sense of family and faith that would guide her throughout her life. After completing high school, Phyllis began her studies at Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College) in Memphis, where she became a proud member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. She later earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of South Alabama.

In 1985, Phyllis and her family moved to Crystal Lake, Illinois. There she became an integral part of the community and a cherished presence in the lives of many. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as the owner of The Starecase Limited in Crystal Lake for over a decade. Known for her impeccable style and grace, Phyllis brought beauty and elegance to everything she touched.

Phyllis’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She began her spiritual journey in the Presbyterian Church and later joined the United Church of Christ upon settling in Crystal Lake. Her steadfast devotion to God was evident through her active participation in church activities and groups such as the Women's Heart Group, Fellowship Circle, and Women of the Church.

A woman of many talents and passions, Phyllis found joy in gardening and took pride in maintaining a lawn and patio that could have graced the cover of *Southern Living* magazine. She loved cooking for her family and friends; her pound cake and biscuits with sausage gravy were legendary dishes that brought comfort and delight to those she loved. An advocate for health and wellness, Phyllis walked three miles most days of the week—a testament to her dedication to living life fully.

Above all else, Phyllis treasured her role as a wife, homemaker, mother, Nana, and friend. Her husband John Reese was her steadfast partner of 65 years. Together they built a loving home filled with warmth and laughter. Her children Derek Reese (Lisa) and Ashley Cochran (Clay) were the center of her world; she never missed a celebration or milestone in their lives or those of her grandchildren—Trevor Reese, Tyler Reese, Rebecca Potter (Vince), Nathan Cochran, Skyler Cochran, and Allison Cochran—and great-grandchildren Lincoln Potter and Calvin Potter. She also had many loved nieces and nephews with whom she remained close from childhood into adulthood. Treasured pet dachshunds over the years included Roxanne, Baron, Ingrid, Heidi, Sue, Rex, and Oliver.

Phyllis also shared a close bond with her siblings Michael McFarland and Dennis McFarland.

She was predeceased by her parents Herschel and Evelyne McFarland as well as her older brother Fred McFarland.

Her circle extended far beyond family; Phyllis cultivated deep friendships that became her family by choice; relationships too numerous to list but cherished, nonetheless.

Phyllis’s legacy is one of love: love for God, love for family and friends, love for beauty in all its forms—from a well-tended garden to an impeccably set table—and love for life itself. Those who knew Phyllis will remember her as a loyal friend with an open heart who lived each day with purpose.

May Phyllis’s memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know her. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 11, 2026 at First Congregational Church 461 Pierson Street in Crystal Lake at 2pm with reception to follow.

Memorials may be given in her honor to Fuller’s Fund, Inc. (13345 Martin Road Spur North Port Alabama, 35473), First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake, or a favorite charity of personal choice.