Mari Beth Phillips

Mari had alzheimer's and was cared for at home by her husband and son Kevin and his wife Sherri for most of the past 5 years. She just recently went into the nursing home Heritage Manor South in October when she began to need things we her family could no longer provide. Mari was always cutting up and laughing. She was always eating something sweet. Most of all she was loved by everyone who knew her. She was beautiful inside and out and everyone who knew her would say the same. She never judged anyone. She always found the good, never focused on the bad in people. Her pride and joy would have to by far be her boys….. she was more proud of her husband and son than anything you every seen. She tended to their every need every moment of every day…. And loved it!!! Loved it!!! She worked to make her yard and her home beautiful from sun up to sun down. We could not keep her inside ! She was her happiest working in the yard. Her hard was always perfect.

Mari had so many special people in her life other than just her family. She had many caregivers through the past 5 years of her life. Without the help of them the 3 of us could never have had her at home as long as we did. And for that we are so greatful. Their long time friend Floyd call her his girl friend and would just come over and walk her around the yard. She always wanted to be outside but when she got to a point she couldn’t be alone. She always got excited to see him. she loved him very much.

Their long time friend Ms. Kay was an angel from God for sure. She washed her hair and sat with her while Shorty ran the household errands. And not only did she help care for Mari but anything Shorty needed she stopped everything to get it to him….

The process of caring for Mari was made easier by many people in many different ways. From the friends and just listened when we need to vent, cry, pray or distracted us when we need distraction. I know that Mari felt the love around her.

Family is not just blood…. And Mari was so blessed to have just dedication from so many of their friends. And I know she would agree

Mari retired from Caddo Parish School Board as a school bus driver. Boy did she love the kids on the bus! She talked about them all the time. They loved her too she had music on the bus just for them…

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savoured much
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
 Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee 
God wanted me now; He set me free.

- Author unknown

She will forever be in our hearts...