Phyllis Kincannon

Arkansas lost a true political pioneer Sunday, October 1, 2017, when Phyllis Kincannon passed away, surrounded by family and holding the hand of her soulmate of 70 years, John. Born September 9, 1927 in Indianola, Iowa, the eldest of three children of Tandy Van Nuys Allen I and Thelma McGee Allen. The family moved to Little Rock where Phyllis graduated from Central High School and Arkansas State Teacher's College. It was in Conway pursuing her degree in Education where she met the love of her life, John A. Kincannon. Early on she volunteered for various political causes and campaigns, little realizing that it would become a lifelong passion. She said that she remembered when an Arkansas Republican convention could be held in a phone booth, recalling the days of Democratic dominance in state politics. Her efforts helped change that, as many a Republican officeholder can attest. To family she was "Granny", enjoying mornings at the lake drinking coffee on the deck, spoiling her grandchildren, hosting extravagant family vacations to exotic locales, anything to bring the family together. Never mind that she and John had already traveled the world and seen things few people are blessed to have seen. She is preceded in death by her parents; her first born son, John Allen Kincannon; daughter-in-law, Francilene Kincannon; and brother, Tandy Van Nuys Allen II. She is survived by her loving husband, John A Kincannon of Maumelle; their two sons, Jim Kincannon (Susan) of Maumelle and Dr. Jay Kincannon (Debbie) of Little Rock; one brother, Dr. Richard E. Allen (Doretta) of North Little Rock; seven grandchildren, Sarah Kincannon, Juliana Crews (Jordan), Rachel Gillespie (Tyler), John Martin Kincannon (Lauren), Johnny Kincannon, Lauren Kincannon and Katy Kincannon, and great-grandchild, Will Gillespie. Services are to be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 6th at the First United Methodist Church in Maumelle, 1201 Edgewood Dr., Maumelle, Ark. 72113, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Republican Party of Arkansas, 1201 W. 6th Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201 or First United Methodist Church of Maumelle. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.