St. Mary's Catholic Church
1019 West 6th
Freeport, TX
77541
Thursday, June 5, 2014
6:00 to 7:00 pm
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Rosary Service
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Freeport, TX
Thursday, June 5, 2014
7:30 pm
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Walker Cemetery at 11 am
Saturday, June 7,2013
Lufkin, TX
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October 29, 1936 - June 1, 2014
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Dell was born on October 29, 1936 to Charlie and Addie St. Clair in Redland, Texas. From an early age, Dell was a lover of all things academic, and she loved art, music, sports, and especially, reading. She was the epitome of a life-long learner and reading and learning were her favorite activities. She played the piano beautifully and enjoyed art throughout her life. She played volleyball and basketball during school and continued to love sports for many years afterward. She graduated from Redland High School and went on to receive her Bachelor's and Master's degrees, both with honors, from Stephen F. Austin State University. She majored in education and minored in art, music and PE.
In September of 1954 Dell married James W. Phillips and they quickly settled in Freeport, where they both remained until their deaths. Dell began her teaching career in BISD in 1955 where she taught at Jane Long Elementary and Velasco Elementary for 42 years. She loved teaching and often told her family she wished she could have taught forever. She touched the lives of many students and still today, many remember her as their "favorite" teacher.
Dell loved her family and devoted her life to making things better for them. Her favorite times were spent with her children and grandchildren. Although she loved the piney woods of East Texas, she was devoted to the city of Freeport and remained a loyal resident until her death. She loved cooking for others and friends and acquaintances have fond memories of her famous hot-water cornbread. Besides reading and enjoying time with her family, Dell loved her backyard and was always amazed at the beauty of her wildflower garden and could hardly wait for spring so she could till up the ground to plant her vegetables.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters, and her husband of 55 years, James W. Phillips.
Dell is survived by her children, Tracie Leigh Phillips of Freeport, Amy Claire Phillips of Freeport and James Wesley Phillips Jr. and his fiancé Mary Parsons of Freeport; four grandsons, Colton Wyatt Phillips of Freeport, Clinton Michael Truitt and wife Banu of Spring, Texas; Christopher Lee Truitt of Georgetown, Texas and Therron Joseph King of Freeport, Texas; one granddaughter, Addie McKenzie Phillips of Freeport; and three great-granddaughters, Reagan Leigh Truitt of Georgetown, Texas and Aylin and Alessa Truitt of Spring, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A Rosary for Dell will be held at 7:30 pm on Thursday, June 5 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Freeport with visitation preceding the Rosary from 6:00 until 7:00 pm, also at St Mary's. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 6 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Walker Cemetery in Redland, Texas on Saturday, June 7 at 11:00 am.
Pallbearers will be Michael Truitt, Chris Truitt, Colton Phillips, Therron King, Percy Norris and Brandon Garcia.
Final arrangements are in the care of the Turner Family at Freeport-Lakewood Funeral Homes. Inc. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.freeportlakewoodfuneralhomes.com.
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12 Condolence(s)
Terry Hart
Pasadena, TX
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Mrs. Phillips was one of the best teachers in Freeport. The Phillips family was always very caring and loving people. She will truly be missed.
Peggy Baker
Fredericksburg, TX
Sunday, July 20, 2014
The Entire Baker family wishes to express our deep sorrow over the loss of such a wonderful person! Andy, Brady, & Amber thoroughly enjoyed her as a teacher & friend. She will forever be in our memory! Daniel 12:2a & Job 14:13-14.... Family be assured of our love!
Peggy & John Baker
Cindy Watson
, TX
Friday, June 6, 2014
Tracie, Amy and Wes,
Our family sends our prayers to you for sweet Dell. She was such a special lady and impacted so many children. What a legacy she leaves. The gates of Heaven were already open for her and her special guy was waiting for her with open arms. Keep all of your many memories close to your heart always. You have all made your parents very proud and much love has been shared in the house on 11th Street. We love you. Cindy & Clay and family
Marge Cammack
Zavalla, TX
Friday, June 6, 2014
Sad to learn of one of my SFA classmates passing away. I knew Dell and "Shug". but never saw either of them after college. Glad to know of their large, beautiful family.
Marge Cammack
Zavalla, TX
Friday, June 6, 2014
Sad to learn of one of my SFA classmates passing away. I knew Dell and "Shug". but never saw either of them after college. Glad to know of their large, beautiful family.
Jacque and Elliott Cundieff
Freeport, TX
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Dell was a wonderful woman and teacher. She and Jim were great servants to the City of Freeport and its young people. She was Lari's (our daughter) favorite teacher ever!!!
Lee Terry
Brazoria, TX
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Dell was such a lovely lady. She will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace sweet friend.
Karen Arrington Jordan
Farmington, NM
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Tracie, we were so sad to hear of your dear mom's passing. What great memories I have of her as my fifth-grade teacher at Jane Long. She made my transition from Fleming so easy after the enrollment boundaries were changed. She made science, math, reading and so many other subjects fun, and she even cooked for us in class. Her room was such a joy I still recall where everything was situated. Indeed, she would have taught forever if she could have. God bless you and your families. Stay strong and know how many people care. My mother Laura sends her love and good wishes, too; she has many fond memories of Dell and Jim.
Scotty & Judy Leake
Schertz, TX
Thursday, June 5, 2014
We have so many memories of this lovely lady that it is really hard to pick just one. Dell and Jim were both wonderful people and always went out of their way to help people. Tracie - Scotty and I will have your family in our prayers. We are very sorry for your loss.
Brenda Halder
Ojo Caliente, NM
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Tracie, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Even thought I was sad that you left New Mexico, I'm so glad that you were home and blessed to be by your mom's side during this past year. God works is his mysterious ways and he knows were we are all needed. Tracie, my prayers are with you and your family from over the mountains in New Mexico and all the way to Texas. Take care of yourself. Love You!!!!
Laura (Saccomanno) Vogel
Alvin, TX
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Mrs.Phillips has been and always will be my favorite teacher. She was more than a teacher to her students --she was our ''School Mom.'' I will always remember her reading Where the Red Fern Grows to us and crying with us during the sad parts. I will always remember her hugs. I will always remember her protecting us from all those pesky caterpillars that stung us on the playground. I will always remember the strawberries with powdered sugar on it. But most of all-- I will always remember and treasure how much she loved us.
Thank you Mrs. Phillips for being the best teacher ever!
With my sincerest condolences,
Laura (Saccomanno) Vogel
Cathy Breen
Georgetown, TX
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
I have so many wonderful memories of the Phillip's home. I feel so blessed to have been part of your family. Dell rest in peace and one day all the kids who loved you will be reunited in heaven. God bless your family.