Florence Marie (Mcpherson) Phillips

Florence Marie Phillips, affectionately known as Marie to her loved ones, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, in Collinsville, Oklahoma. Born on January 22, 1940, in Fresno, California, Marie was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her. Her journey of 84 years was marked by devotion to her family, her unwavering faith, and her compassionate service to others. Marie grew up in California where she received her education, laying the foundation for her future endeavors. It was there that she met the love of her life, Thomas Ralph Phillips. The couple united in marriage on December 17, 1957, in Port Hueneme in Oxnard, California. Together, they planted roots in Skiatook, Oklahoma, where they built a life filled with joy, challenges, and endless memories. With a heart as expansive as the Oklahoma sky, Marie dedicated most of her life to caring for disabled children, and a number of years at Hissom in Tulsa. Her gentle touch and warm smile were comforts to many, and her dedication to those in her care was unwavering. Marie's commitment to her work was paralleled only by her devotion to her faith. Marie attended the Skiatook Church Of God, where she embodied the church's teachings through her actions and her loving spirit. Marie's passion for life was evident in her hobbies and interests. She found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life: going on walks, nurturing flowers and trees, adoring her collection of roosters, and seeking the beauty of the world through sightseeing. These activities were not merely pastimes for Marie; they were expressions of her appreciation for the world around her. Marie's legacy is carried on by her loving family. She is survived by her four children, Arnold Joe Phillips and wife Darlene, Bonnie Sue Scifres and husband Ron, Steven Kelly Phillips, and Scott Allen Phillips with wife Fabiola. Her sister, Kathryn Reed and husband Art, also remain to cherish her memory. Marie's joy was multiplied through her nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immeasurable happiness. Additionally, several nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends will hold Marie's memory dear. Her journey to eternity was preceded by the passing of her parents, Everett and Helen McPherson, her beloved husband, Thomas Phillips, her son Tommy Lee Phillips, and her two brothers, Charles McPherson and Tom Ray McPherson. They await her with open arms, ready to welcome her home. Marie's life was a testament to the strength of love, the power of faith, and the beauty of giving. Her impact on the world was as beautiful and unique as the flowers she so lovingly tended to. Marie will be deeply missed, but the seeds of kindness she planted in the hearts of those she touched will continue to grow, creating a living legacy that will endure for generations to come. As we bid farewell to Florence Marie Phillips, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey well-traveled, and a soul well-loved. Let us honor her memory by emulating her kindness, her passion for life, and her unwavering spirit. Rest in peace, dear Marie, until we meet again.