Phyllis C. Lemons

Phyllis C. Lemons, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on Sunday, August 9th 2026, at the age of 87, in her home surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on April 5th, 1939, in Anadarko, Oklahoma, Phyllis was the daughter of Lewis Carabajal and Nellie Guerrero (Vasquez). Phyllis attended Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma, proudly graduating in the class of 1957 before furthering her education at Hills Business College.

In 1961 she married Felix E. Lemons. Ultimately, they divorced. He passed away on October 10th, 2010.

Professionally, Phyllis dedicated more than 32 years of her life for both the BNSF and the ATSF Railway. Outside of work she was a member of the BNSF Women’s Club and BNSF Old Timers. She also loved to paint, cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs and KU Jayhawks, watch Dancing With The Stars and Survivor, and was a devoted (and competitive!) Bunco player.

While she had many professional and personal interests, it was her family that anchored Phyllis’s heart. Especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Being present at every sporting event, dance recital, birthday, wedding, and all the special memories in between. Phyllis enjoyed being a Flower Girl in her oldest granddaughter’s wedding. Phyllis’s unwavering devotion ensured that each family milestone was celebrated with warmth, sincerity, and love.

Phyllis will be remembered as loving, giving, and caring, with a spirit that was truly magnetic. She touched the lives of all who knew her, and left each heart feeling a little fuller.

Survivors include sister, Delores Stewart, of Yukon, OK, her daughter, Lawanna K. Lemons-DeGarmo and husband Jesse of Topeka, her son, Robert E. Lemons and his girlfriend Pam Miller of Topeka, her grandchildren, MiKayla (Alex) Leaderer, Owen Lederer, Oliver Lederer, of Topeka, Karli (Kevin Revelle) Meier, Tyson Simmons, Taylen Fitzgerald, Lillian Fitzgerald, Hayden Fitzgerald, of Topeka, Kelton (Jennifer Girouex) Lemons, of Kansas City, KayLyn (Tyler) Rein, Liam Rein, Aiden Rein, of Wichita, Kassidy (Claire) Lemons, Isla Lemons, and Whit Lemons of Broken Arrow, OK, and step-grandchildren, Ashley Wathen-DeGarmo, Mariah Penry, Memphis Wathen, Tilley Wathen of Topeka, Leighton (Sara) DeGarmo, Levi DeGarmo, Wyatt DeGarmo, Moses DeGarmo, of Savannah, MO. All of whom will miss her very much.

She is preceded in death by her father, Lewis Carabajal, mother, Nellie Guerrero, step-father, Cruz Guerrero, brother, J. C. Carabajal, sister, Kelly (Candy) Litherland, and sister, Nellie (Peanut) Louise Carabajal.

Phyllis will Lie In State on Friday, August 21st from 10:00AM-5:00PM at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Avenue Topeka, KS 66604. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, August 22nd at 2:00PM at the funeral home and burial will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

The funeral service will be livestreamed and will begin 15 minutes before service time, to register to watch the livestream, please click the following link: Phyllis Lemons Funeral Service Livestream

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association.

The loss of Phyllis Lemons is felt by her community, friends, and her family. Her legacy will live on within the memories she created, the bonds she forged, and the love she gave to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her beautiful spirit.  

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