April 8, 2025

Linn County News

Published April 9, 2025

Phyllis Sybil Colbert, age 89, passed away Friday, March 28, 2025. She was born on Nov. 23, 1935, in Ball Ground, Ga., the daughter of William and Marcia White Johnson. She attended Reinhardt College in Waleska, Ga., and went on to attend Massey Business College. 

Sybil met her husband, Bill Colbert, while they both were working in Atlanta. They were united in marriage on Aug. 3, 1963 at First Baptist Church of Atlanta. He preceded her in death on May 30, 2018. They made their home in Marietta, Ga., where they became very involved in their church, LaBelle Heights Baptist Church. Sybil loved working with teenagers in her church where they lovingly referred to her as “Mrs. C.” A work transfer for Bill brought them to the Kanas City area where they settled in Olathe, Kan. Sybil worked as a librarian at Oregon Trail Jr. High in Olathe. 

Sybil was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved the Lord with all her heart and spent most of her life in service to Him. Sybil supported her husband in ministry for many years in the various churches in which he served. Sybil’s sweet smile and her Southern hospitality will be missed. She is survived by a daughter, Michele Friesen and her husband, Steve; grandson Collin and his wife, Allie, and grandson Cody; a sister, Marcelle Payne; and a brother, Jerry Johnson and his wife, Betty.

A gathering to celebrate Sybil’s life was held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Fellowship Olathe, followed by a time to visit and fellowship until 8 p.m.  (Fellowship Olathe - 901 N. Parker, Olathe, Kan. 66061). A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Cherokee Memorial Park in Canton, Ga. Memorial contributions are suggested to Mission Southside, 514 S. Kansas Avenue, Olathe, Kan. 66061. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.