Evalyn Dolorus Johnston (Phillips)

After a valiant struggle with cancer, Evalyn is now resting safely in the arms of the Lord. Born Evalyn Dolorus Phillips to Rupert and Ruby Phillips at Grain Valley, MO, she grew up in Eastern Jackson County. Her family moved to Independence, MO, where she attended William Chrisman High School. After graduation, she supported the World War II effort by working at Lake City Arsenal. When the war ended, she was employed by the Kansas City Southern Railway in Kansas City, MO headquarters. She met a returning solider, Matthew M. Johnston, while working there, and they married June 2, 1946.
Their union produced two children: daughter, Dr. Sylvia Johnston Riley and son, Dana M. Johnston. After raising them, she served first as Secretary to the Dean of Grace & Holy Episcopal Cathedral, Kansas City, MO and later, as Secretary to the Bishop of the Diocese of West Missouri. During this time, she figured prominently in the creation of the Camps & Conferences program of the Diocese and took great pride in its success.
She was preceded in death by husband, Matthew. She is survived by her daughter, Sylvia and husband, Dr. William Riley of Four Seasons, MO, their two sons, Kristopher L. Riley, of Los Angeles, CA; Andrew Riley and his wife Lauren, of Indianapolis, and their two grand children: Claire and Jack Riley. Son Dana M. Johnston and fiancée' Joyce Barnett, both of Lee's Summit, MO. Sister Eleanor Briggs, Blue Springs, MO; niece Marla Bradley and her husband, Jim.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Friday, Oct. 31 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 409 N. Liberty, Independence, MO. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am before the service at church. Burial will be at New Salem Church, Blue Mills Road, Independence.