Mary Madelyn Phillips

Mary Madelyn Phillips, age 81, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, May 5th.  She died surrounded with love and devotion.

Madelyn was born at home on June 11th, 1940, to Mary Alice and Winston B. White.  After living in several places throughout Texas and in Maine, she moved home to Aransas Pass, TX, where she lived her last years in her childhood home with her husband, Bobby.  She married Robert “Bobby” Phillips, her high school sweetheart, in 1959.  Bobby and Madelyn shared a beautiful life of deep love, laughter, and joy.  A devoted wife and mother of four, she approached everything in life with grace and poise.

Madelyn attended Aransas Pass High School, where she played clarinet in the marching band and was selected Football Sweetheart.  After graduating and starting a family she became active in Jaycee-etts, where she held office and became involved in her community.  Her great pleasure was traveling with her husband.  She was gifted artistically, was an expert seamstress, had an eye for décor, and loved gardening and growing beautiful flowers.  Her natural skills reflected her beautiful smile, winsome personality, and spontaneous wit.

Madelyn was most happy when surrounded by family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Alice and Winston White, and her great-grandchild Karli Page Calvert.  Madelyn leaves behind her husband Bobby and their four children, Robert Phillips (Sandra Billingsley); Carol Calvert (Jeff); Kim Clontz (Steve); and David “Bub” Phillips.  She is also “Mema” to her loving grandchildren, Eric (Balinda), Heather (Zan), Karissa, Tyler (Chloe), Madison (Dan), and Colt (Chelcy), and six great-grandchildren.  She also leaves behind two brothers whom she adored, Russell “Skipper” White (Margaret) and Rev. Msgr. Lawrence E. White; and many nieces and nephews.

Although suffering from dementia, Madelyn never forgot two of her very best friends.  She continually shared joyful memories of her elementary through high school friend, Sharon Crist, and her lifelong friend Nelda Summers.  And we are all grateful for her friend and Visiting Angel, Sierra Parris, who lovingly provided blissful joy and comfort when she needed it most.

Celebrating the return of Mary Madelyn’s spirit to Heaven, viewing will begin at 9:00 AM, the Rosary will be recited at 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM on Monday, May 16th at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 342 S. Rife Street, Aransas Pass, TX 78336.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564