Willie Ruth Borns Phillips was born on January 8, 1928, in Dallas, Texas, to the parents of Jesse Borns, Sr., and Sadonia Hurd Borns. Her father was a wise old soul who served in World War I. He was an entrepreneur with many small businesses in the South Dallas area. Willie’s mother was a homemaker and beautician. When Willie was very young, her parents nicknamed her Baby. Relatives and close friends still called her by her childhood name. She and her brother Jesse, Jr., were raised in a strict God fearing household. Willie grew up hearing the mantra, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” She and Jesse Jr. could not hang out late with the kids in their neighborhood, nor could they skip school by pretending to be sick. As Willie would tell you, if she told her father she was sick and didn’t feel like going to school, her father would give her a healthy dose of castor oil. One day, when she was quite young, her family was attending a church service. She walked over to the piano and began to play. Willie’s parents were amazed because she hadn’t taken any piano lessons. Thus, her musical talent was discovered! Willie thought it was quite hilarious when she was asked to play the piano at church.
Willie and Jesse were close pals and playmates. One of their favorite pastimes was to gather the neighborhood children and “play church.” She would organize some of the children in the group to be a choir and Jesse Jr., would preach to them. Unbeknownst to them, this childhood game would foretell their futures and become a reality in the making. Jesse Jr., organized Greater St. James and Willie was the Minister of Music for over 56 years until her health declined.
Willie attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School and she graduated from Lincoln High School. She matriculated to Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. As a young adult, she met and fell in love with the handsome Edward Phillips. Willie begged her parent’s permission to accept Edward’s marriage proposal. As Willie would tell you: “All the girls thought Edward was a ‘catch’. He was popular, athletic, a World War II veteran, and he had a job.” She married Edward in 1948. To this union, six children were born: Bruce, Gwendolyn, Charlotte, Diane, Rudolph, and Naomi. Willie and Edward had been married 50 years before he passed away. Although Willie married before completing college, her parents encouraged her to further her education.
Willie was a compassionate soul and knew she wanted to help others in some way. Therefore, she pursued a career in the medical field. She trained to be a licensed vocational nurse and worked at St. Paul Hospital for six years. As the years rolled by, Willie had to take some time off to become a stay at home Mom. In 1972, she got a part-time job as a school crossing guard. When friends questioned her career choice, Willie told them: “Naomi didn’t want to go to school unless I was close by; which meant I volunteered at her school and got a job working near her school.” In March 1980, she continued working part-time as a driver for VNA Meals on Wheels. She told her family the job was a ministry. Often, she would pray with her clients, sing songs with them, and run their errands.
Willie was active with the Veteran’s Wives Club of Dallas. Every summer, the club vacationed in various destinations. Willie has been on several cruises and she has travelled out of the country twice. Willie loved her music and she adored the choirs! On more than one occasion, she would play the organ! Who would have thought that a young girl’s game of strumming the piano keys would turn out to be a lifelong passion and purpose? Willie was extremely dedicated and committed to the work the Lord called her to accomplish. She would attend church in rain, sleet and snow. When she didn’t want to drive in inclement weather, she would tell one of her children to drive her to church.
Although Willie has worn many hats throughout her life time; one that she wore well was being a follower of Christ. Without a doubt, she loved the Lord with all her heart. She was a strong prayer warrior, doting mother, graceful widow, loving grandmother, gentle great grandmother, kind caregiver, trusted advice giver, confidante, teacher, leader, helper and friend. We hope you had an opportunity to meet her and be warmed by her humble spirit and charmed by her quick wit.
Willie is preceded in death by her parents: Jesse and Sadonia Borns. Brothers: Johnny and Jesse Jr., Husband: Edward Phillips. Great Grandchild: Ryleigh Phillips
Willie is survived by her sons: Bruce Phillips, Sr. (Rochelle), Pastor Rudolph Phillips, (Regenia) Daughters: Gwendolyn Williams, Charlotte Williams, Diane Jernigan (Donnie), Naomi Jones (Joseph). Grandchildren: Andre, Bruce Jr., Trista, Christopher, Brian, Jessica, Chelsea, Rachael, and Justin.
Great Grandchildren: Bria, Jeniyah, Cameron, Nicolas, Brandon, and Alicia as well as a host of other relatives, close friends and her church family.
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