Margaret V. Phillips' Obituary
Margaret Klein Phillips, was born August 28, 1917 in San Antonio, Texas, the third child of Fred and Bessie Klein. She passed away on February 3, 2015. The only girl in a family of four brothers, the family moved to Dallas when Margaret was six. After graduating from Forest High, •she briefly attended SMU before completing business classes and going to work for an attorney and a real estate agent. She worked essentially as a paralegal, although no such certification existed at the time for those responsibilities. She also held positions with insurance and bonding companies. When she met her future husband, John Ralph Phillips, he was a sergeant in the Army serving in Guam during World War II. Ralph and Margaret were married in December 1945 at Colonial Presbyterian Church. Their first son, John Randall, was born in 1948 followed by Barry Dale in 1954. The Phillips moved from Oak Cliff to East Dallas, where Margaret lived until her death. Ralph worked for Braniff International Airways as a pilot, flying out of Love Field. In the 1950’s the family moved for a short time to South America while Ralph was based in Lima, Peru. Among their adventures there, Margaret recalled a visit to Machu Picchu among the most inspirational experiences of her life. After less than a year in Peru, the family returned to Dallas. Ralph continued as a Captain with Braniff until his death in a plane crash in May of 1968. Margaret believed in service, and that was central to all she did. She was comfortable accepting leadership roles in the groups in which she participated. Some of her positions included President of the Love Field American Auxiliary, President of the Southern Methodist University Mother’s Club, and President of Dallas Federation of Women’s Clubs. She was selected Outstanding Volunteer for Goodwill Industries, and in later years, she volunteered with the Dallas Ballet and Dallas Symphony League. A life-long Presbyterian, Margaret was particularly active in the life of the churches she belonged to, including serving as an elder, parent sponsor, and circle member. Margaret enjoyed a long, good life of 97 years. She was a woman of style, grace and good humor. She was good company to be around and enjoyed being involved and active. She was grateful for the good health that allowed her to continue her activities. She is survived by her son Barry, and her son Randy and his wife, Barbara, as well as three grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church.
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