Ms. Phyllis Jean Jones

Phyllis Jean Jones, 77, passed away on September 2, 2025, in Kansas City, Kansas. Born on February 4, 1948, in the same city she called home throughout her life, Phyllis left an indelible mark on generations of students, colleagues, friends, and family. She was preceded in death by her parents Horace and Mary Jones and her sister Lenora Holley. Phyllis began her educational journey at Douglas Elementary School and continued through Northeast Junior High School before graduating from Sumner High School in 1966. With a passion for learning and a commitment to excellence, she went on to attend Emporia State University—then known as Kansas State Teachers College—where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Education. Her dedication to education didn’t stop there; she later returned to earn her Master’s Degree in Education. In 1972, Phyllis returned to Kansas City and began her teaching career with the Kansas City, Kansas Unified School District 500. She started at Wyandotte High School and later moved to J.C. Harmon High School in 1982, where she remained until her retirement from classroom teaching in 2003. Known affectionately by her students as "Miss Jones," she was both tough and fair—a teacher who demanded excellence but gave just as much in return. She famously insisted that her students learn typing by touch, covering their keyboards so they would master the skill without looking—a method that produced countless proficient typists over the years. Even after retiring from the classroom, Phyllis continued to serve the district and its students. From 2003 until her final retirement in 2009, she worked as a consultant supporting Career and Technical Education Programs at USD 500 Central Offices. Her influence extended far beyond the walls of any one school building; she helped shape programs that prepared young people for meaningful careers. Phyllis was more than an educator—she was a guiding light to many. Known variously as Phyllis, Miss Jones, or Aunt Phyll-Phyll, she had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. She unselfishly offered help or encouragement whenever it was needed and had a knack for sharing funny stories told through her unique lens on life. Her warmth and humor endeared her to all who knew her. Though not a mother by birth, Phyllis embraced motherhood in its truest form—through love freely given. She played an essential role not only in the lives of her nieces and nephews but also in the lives of the children and grandchildren of her friends. Among those closest to her were “her three girls,” former students from Harmon with whom she developed lifelong bonds. Phyllis is lovingly remembered by her nephew Kevin Taylor of Kansas City, KS; niece Kristi Taylor of Jacksonville, FL; two great-nieces; two great-nephews; and two great-great-nieces. A host of other relatives and friends. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched—as an educator who demanded excellence, as a mentor who offered guidance with grace, and as a friend or family member whose love knew no bounds. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. Memorial services Friday, October 3, at 11:00am at Pleasant Green Baptist Church. Private Disposition. Arrangements entrusted Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Phyllis Jean Jones

February 4, 1948 - September 2, 2025