Shirley Sue Phillips

With hearts full of treasured memories, we celebrate the beautiful life of Shirley Phillips, a devoted wife, loving mom, cherished Gran, and dear friend to so many. Shirley entered this world on September 16, 1934, in Pasadena, Texas, the only daughter of Harvey and Catherine Williams. She grew up surrounded by family, faith, creativity, and a spirit of hospitality that defined her life.

Shirley married the love of her life on June 9, 1963 in San Angelo, Texas, beginning a partnership built on unwavering devotion, hard work, & family. Together they raised six children. They loved traveling in their camper, fishing, hunting, attending the Bob Wills Music Festival each year with friends and fellow musicians, and just enjoying life with family & friends, always making new friends everywhere they went.

Shirley also loved gardening, researching family genealogy, reading, & baking, and looked forward to creating massive amounts of Christmas cookies with the grandkids each year.

She lived a life overflowing with creativity and generosity. She was an artist in every sense—her hands always busy painting, crafting, or creating something beautiful from pure love. Anyone who knew her has surely received a hand-painted card, a Christmas ornament ball, or one of her many pieces of artwork that now live on as cherished keepsakes. Her home on the lake was always open, always filled with laughter, music, and the comforting scent of her delicious meals & desserts. To visit Shirley was to feel welcomed, cared for, and to feel completely at home. In fact, over the years, she was “mom” to so many, each “kid”, as she called each one, holding a special place in her heart. Her face would light up when anyone arrived at her house, no matter the day or time.

No one would guess the hardship and loss she had faced in life, based on her laughter, her warmth, and her love for life.

She was truly selfless, and always put everyone’s needs or wants before her own.

She served wholeheartedly in her community—volunteering with Brownies, Girl Scouts, church, countless school & band activities, the Volente Volunteer Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary, and brightening the lives of nursing home residents by singing alongside Stan and his band, lovingly known as “Papaw and the Golden Oldies.” Her voice and her joy lifted spirits everywhere she went.

In her professional life, Shirley was a talented cosmetologist whose skill and warmth made her a favorite among many notable women of Texas, including the governor’s wife and Miss Texas. But no matter who sat in her chair, she treated every person with the same kindness, respect, and genuine care, and without fail, each one became a close friend over the years, which she maintained even after retirement.

Above all, Shirley was a true friend—steadfast, joyful, generous, and ready to do anything for the people she loved. Her heart had room for everyone. Her laughter was contagious. Her creativity was a gift she shared freely. And her love was the steady thread that tied family and friends together across generations.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband Milton “Stanley” Phillips, son Craig Isenhower & wife Pam Isenhower, son Jim Isenhower, daughter Stacie Kenyon & husband Jeff Kenyon, daughter-in-law Suzanne Isenhower, Grandchildren Kaci Bradley & husband Justin Bradley, Brooke Williamson, Brittany Saha & husband Drew Saha, Kate Zaragoza & husband Reagan Zaragoza, Gage Kenyon & fiancée Morgan Glatzl, Heather Kethley & husband Chris Kethley, and great grandchildren Kolbi, Kolton, Paisley, Wyatt, Cheyenne, Lainey, Leah, Keller, & Harper. She also leaves behind her brother Jon Williams & wife Shirley Williams, and many other loving family & friends.

She joins in glory her younger brother Gerald Williams, her parents, and children Kathy Gower, Sam Isenhower, and James David Phillips. What a blessed and joyous reunion they must be having! Her legacy & selfless example will live on in her grandchildren & great-grandchildren, each one blessed with her spunk, her sweetness, and her deep, steadfast love.

Shirley leaves behind a legacy of grace, warmth, creativity, and service. Though we will miss her deeply, we are comforted knowing she is with those who have gone before her and her savior, Jesus Christ. Her bright light lives on in the countless lives she touched, the art she created, and the love she poured into the world.

May her memory be a blessing, and her spirit continue to guide us, just as gently and joyfully as she always did.