Phyllis O. Markley, 78, of Peoria died at 7:55 p.m. Jan. 16, 2019, in Peoria.Phyllis O. Markley, 78, of Peoria died at 7:55 p.m. Jan. 16, 2019, in Peoria.
She was born March 19, 1940, in Peoria, the daughter of Clifford Lee and Irma Robbins Harris. She married Donald L. Markley on Aug. 9, 1964, in Vermont. He preceded her in death on Oct. 22, 2009.
Surviving are two daughters, Angela S. (and Garth) Peterson of Kansas City, Mo., and Melissa J. (and Kody) Rountree of Valparaiso, Ind.; three grandchildren, Caroline Peterson, Gabriel Peterson and Wyatt Rountree; and one brother.
She and her husband founded D.L. Markley and Associates in Peoria, a consulting engineering firm, where she was the chief financial officer. Before working with her husband, Phyllis was a school teacher, teaching in several rural schools and teaching English at Richwoods High School. She graduated with a bachelors and masters in English/Education from Western Illinois University.
She served on the Peoria District 150 School Board for 18 years, and served as president for three terms. She also headed up the Peoria Public Schools Foundation at its inception. She was instrumental in establishing the foundation’s financial success in providing services for classroom support.
In addition to her work on the school board, Phyllis served on the Sigma Kappa Sorority National Council for eight years, including six years in the role of national president. She also founded the Sigma Kappa Foundation, served as its president and was a trustee of the foundation for many years. She also was active with the Western Avenue Greenway Project.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at The Wilton Mortuary in Peoria with Reverend Marla Bauler of First Presbyterian Church of Elmwood officiating. Graveside services were held at Vermont Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Peoria Public Schools Foundation, https://www.ppsfoundation.org/give-to-ppsf.
Condolences may be sent to www.thewiltonmortuary.com.
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