Phyllis Jo Kesterson

Phyllis Jo Kesterson, 68, of Truman, Arkansas, formerly of Dyer County, Tennessee, died Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Flo & Phil Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Phyllis  will be remembered for her kind and gentle spirit. She never met a stranger and truly enjoyed visiting with people, making friends wherever she went. Her motto in life was simple: "Love everybody," and she lived those words every day. The warmth of her smile, her caring heart, and her genuine concern for others made her beloved by so many.

For many years, Phyllis worked at Fred's, where she enjoyed serving customers and formed many lasting friendships. After her time at Fred's, she continued her career as a cashier at Save A Lot. Whether at Fred's or Save A Lot, her friendly smile and sweet personality made her a favorite among customers and coworkers alike. She genuinely loved people, and they loved her in return.

Above all, Phyllis loved her family. They were the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She shared an especially close and cherished bond with her daughter, a relationship built on love, friendship, laughter, and unwavering support through life's joys and challenges.

Phyllis found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved sunflowers, whose bright beauty reflected her own cheerful nature. She enjoyed embroidery and had a special talent for crafting, especially making wreaths that brought beauty to the homes of family and friends. A good steak was one of her favorite meals, particularly when it was prepared by her son-in-law, Brock. 

Her faith was an important part of her life. She faithfully spent time each day reading her Bible and found comfort, strength, and guidance in God's Word. 

Funeral services for Mrs. Kesterson will be held at 3:30 PM on Friday, June 19, 2026, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating the service will be Mr. Patrick Williams and Mr. Charles Cravens. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Dyersburg, Tennessee.  Visitation for Mrs. Kesterson will be held from 1:30 PM until 3:30 PM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter, Brandi Sawyer (Brock) of Trumann, Arkansas; three sisters, Belinda Deaver of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Cynthia Daffron of Rutherford, Tennessee and Davonda Ables of Finley, Tennessee; three step-grandchildren, Abby Gilbert, Lori Sawyer, and Caleb Sawyer and her grand-dog and beloved companion, Bella

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Michael Thomas Kesterson.

Honoring Mrs. Kesterson as pallbearers will be Charles Cravens, Garrett Launer, David Pope, David Ross, Nick Atwell and Taylor Draffon. Honorary pallbearer will be Joe Berry.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnson-williamsfuneralhome.com  Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Phyllis Jo Kesterson.

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