Sally Tibor McPhillips

Sally Ann Tibor McPhillips a lifelong resident of Mobile, Alabama died October 31, 2026. Born in Evanston, IL on July 3, 1928 to Gwendolyn Massey and Lee Anthony Tibor, Sally grew up in Mobile and while not considered a “native Mobilian” embraced Mobile and Southern traditions better than any native could have: family, friends, sweet tea and Alabama football. She attended Woodcock Elementary and Spring Hill School (now Mary B. Austin Elementary). She graduated from Murphy High School and then Randolph Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia. She was married to James David (Jamesie) McPhillips, the love of her life, until his death, a total of 65 years.

Sally was an active member of the Junior League and numerous mystic organizations. She also served on many community boards and was integral in the early development of the L’Arche community (now the First Light Community of Mobile).

Sally loved a good story particularly if there were puns involved. She cherished time spent with family and friends over-the-bay or traveling as well as on the tennis courts and golf course. Throughout her life she enjoyed the company of the Sewing Club which continued to meet for over 50 years. In her later years, meeting friends for lunch continued to be a mainstay of her days.

Sally leaves us a legacy of care. She was always ready with custard, soup, a ride or conversation whenever anyone fell ill or needed a little TLC. Her genuine love and concern for those she knew was legendary. She had the remarkable gift of making people feel fully seen and supported through life’s ups and downs. (and that they mattered.)

All who knew her understood that Sally lived her life in gratitude: grateful for her marriage to a wonderful man, for her two daughters and the larger family they brought her: sons-in- law, four grandchildren, a grandson-in- law, two granddaughters-in-law, and six great grandchildren. She was also grateful for her broader family: parents and sister, generations of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews as well as her steadfast friends and in her later years Frances Cunnigham and her amazing team of caregivers - especially Tieasha Griffith.

Her family is grateful for her presence in our lives for ninety-eight years and for the joy Sally found in time spent with family and friends particularly these last few years.

Thank you to all who gave Sally so much to be grateful for during her life. At her request, in lieu of a funeral there will be a celebration of life at a later date.

Daughters: Lee Fernandez (Jim) and Dru Jones (A.J.)

Grandchildren: James Fernandez (Melissa), Gwen Fernandez (Jonathan Hupp), Allen Jones (Lindsay) and Sally Jones

Great-Grandchildren: Eleanor Frances and Amelia Fernandez, Rosemary Fernandez-Hupp, Joe and Ty Jones and Ann Clare Inzer.

If you wish to remember Sally in a tangible way please consider a donation to the First Light Community of Mobile or the charity of your choice. She, and they, would be grateful.