Phyllis J. Nester, nee Hiob, 90, of Belleville, IL, born Fri., July 27, 1934 in East St. Louis, IL, died Thurs., April 3, 2025 surrounded by her family at Dammert Center, Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville.
Phyllis was co-owner of Nester Realty (established in 1980 with her husband, A. J. Nester). She worked in the real estate industry from 1978-2019 (when she retired at 85). She was a member of the Southwestern Illinois Board of Realtors, Illinois Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, St. Clair County Legal Auxiliary and St. Clair Country Club (where she played tennis, golf and bridge with her family and friends).
Phyllis volunteered at the Catholic Urban Program, Pregnancy Care Center, Salvation Army and Hincke-Sense Home for retired priests, and was a CYO coach. She loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Elizabeth’s and Memorial Hospitals.
As a youth, Phyllis was a swim instructor and involved in athletics and Girl Scouts. She graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School where she was a cheerleader. Prior to attending the University of Illinois, she met A.J. Nester. They both attended U of I where she was a Gamma Phi Beta sorority sister and obtained her bachelor’s degree, and A.J. earned his JD. They were married shortly thereafter.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Husband, A.J. Nester
- Parents, Edward and Susan Faye, nee Harris, Hiob
- Sister, Jane Maier
Surviving Phyllis are her:
- 7 children:
- Carole Hummel of Belleville, IL
- Dr. John (Catherine) Nester of Zionsville, IN
- David Nester of University City, MO
- Claire (Michael) Leopold of Swansea, IL
- Anne (Steve) Knight of Seattle, WA
- Daniel (Nicole) Nester of Glendale, MO
- Greg (Tina) Nester of Belleville, IL
- 21 grandchildren:
- Nicholas Hummel
- Elizabeth (Jake) Schurman
- Daniel (Fiancée Hailey) Hummel
- Catherine (Dr. Evan) Armington
- Dr. William (Minden) Nester
- Alex (Kristin) Nester
- Caroline (Patrick) O’Hara
- Kelly Nester
- Michael Nester
- Jane Nester
- Julia Nester
- James (Hallie) Leopold
- Kathryn Leopold
- Joseph (Stephanie) Knight
- Phyllis (Nick) Bland
- Max Knight
- Charles Nester
- Matthew (Fiancée Mary) Nester
- Andrew Nester
- Mary Nester
- Jack Nester
- 15 great grandchildren
- 1 great granddaughter (due in July)
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Catholic Urban Program or the Parish of your choice.
Visitation: Visitation from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 8707 West Main St., Belleville, IL 62223.
Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon, on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville, IL with Fr. Robert Morin, OMI officiating. A private family interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Belleville, IL.
