On August 24, 1960, a precious baby girl was born to Emory and Bernice Wilson in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. They named her Phyllis Machel Wilson, the youngest of seven children. 

Phyllis grew up in Fort Gibson and attended Fort Gibson Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1978. She later attended Northeastern State University.

At an early age, Phyllis accepted Christ and attended First Baptist Church in Fort Gibson, where she was baptized by Rev. Leon Brown. Being the youngest child in the family, Phyllis was dearly loved and, as her family would lovingly say, a little spoiled. Her family often gave her whatever she wanted. During her early years, from birth to about five years old, her oldest sister took care of her. Phyllis had her own way of doing things—even when it came to walking! She preferred being carried and would scoot along rather than walk. It wasn't until she was about four years old that she finally decided to let go and walk on her own.

Phyllis was blessed with friendships that lasted a lifetime. One of those special friendships was with her classmate, Carla James. Their friendship remained strong throughout the years, lasting until the day Phyllis received her wings. At the age of 16, Phyllis met the love of her life, Arthur Paul Blackmon. From their union came four beautiful children: Nakeisha, Tamara, Michael, and Jennifer. She also opened her heart and home to her bonus child, Willie Jackson. In 1983, Phyllis found herself raising her four young children on her own. It was not always easy, but she persevered. Through every struggle, her parents, Emory and Bernice, were there to help. They loved and cherished all four of Phyllis's children and provided the support she needed. With her parents helping care for the children, Phyllis began her working life at the Fort Gibson Nursing Home.

In 1993, Phyllis met Antonio Thurston, affectionately known as Tony. After a short courtship, the two fell in love and were married in August 1995 by Rev. Marcus Burkhalter. Tony became a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Phyllis's children and grandchildren came to love and respect him deeply as their Papa. After their marriage, Phyllis and Tony attended Historic Baptist Church in Fort Gibson. Later, they became members of Four Mile Missionary Baptist Church, where Terry Kirts served as her pastor.

Phyllis's greatest joy was her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed tending to her dogs, plants and caring for her family. One of her favorite pastimes was visiting thrift stores and  garage sales with her niece, Brenda. The two became so addicted to finding good sales that they made it a weekend tradition. Phyllis also had her own special Sunday tradition. Every Sunday before church, she would go to Four Mile Stop and buy fried mushrooms & Dr. Pepper to share with her brother-in-law, Dave. That Sunday, Phyllis went forward to be prayed for. In one of her final expressions of faith, she spoke words that will remain forever in the hearts of those who witnessed them: “If I can’t say a word, I’ll just wave.” She then lifted her hands and waved.

 On Sept 24, 2026, she transitioned from her old house to her new home. That moment beautifully captured Phyllis's spirit—her faith, her strength, and her determination to praise God even when words were difficult. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Emory and Bernice Wilson; her brother, Tommy Starr; her nephew, Stephen; her grandsons, Stephen Wilson and De’Mario Wilson; and three aunts. 

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her husband, Antonio “Tony” Thurston; her children, Nakeisha Robinson, Tamara Wilson, and Jennifer McDaniel (Freddie Jr), all of Muskogee, Oklahoma; and Michael Paul (Tanalya) of Mesquite, Texas. She also leaves a host of beloved grandchildren: Shaylin Itulah (Augustine) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Jason Wilson of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Justice Wilson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Dustin McBath Jr. of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Tai-Tierra Wilson of Muskogee, Oklahoma; De’Mario Wilson of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Ary’ahna Wilson of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Michael Wilson Jr (Zion) of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Aaron Wilson Bogar of Taft, Oklahoma; Ty-Tiona Fowler of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; Frederick Trace Bogar III of Taft, Oklahoma; and Kash McDaniels of Taft, Oklahoma. Her memory will also live on through her great-grandchildren: Alayah Wilson, Kobe Wilson of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Aubrielle Itulah and Amiyah Itulah of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Messiah Stancle and Ny’Riah Stancle of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She leaves her loving sisters: Carol Blue (Dave) of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; Delma Coulter of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Patricia Bryant (Michael) of Moreno Valley, California; and Jean Scroggins of Moreno Valley, California, along with extended family, friends, church family, and many others who were blessed to know and love her. 

Phyllis will be remembered for her loving heart, her devotion to her family, her faith, her sense of humor, and the joy she found in the simple things—her family, her plants, a good garage sale, a plate of fried mushrooms, and being in the house of God. Though she is no longer with us in body, the love she gave, the memories she created, and the faith she shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Rest peacefully, Phyllis. You have fought your fight, you have kept your faith, and now you have received your Crown.

The Hour of Remembrance for Phyllis will commence on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 10:30AM in the most holy sanctuary of Four Mile Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma where Pastor Terry Kirts will preside.

The Christian Committal will follow the services in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery at 12:30PM.

You may visit Mrs. Thurston as she slumbers in sweet repose on Thursday, October 1, 2026, between the hours of 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM in the People's Chapel of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Muskogee.

You may order flowers: (918)685-7574 lakelandflorist.com