Adeline Marie Phillips

Adeline Marie Phillips, age 87, passed away on August 4, 2017. Born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, she was the daughter of Reynold William Plath, Jr. and Alice Florence Dear Plath, and a descendant of pioneer Montana settlers. She married Clifford Parsons in 1947 and they became the parents of four daughters and one son. Adeline was beautiful inside and out. She was kind, caring, genuine, interested in others, enthusiastic, and had a very positive attitude. Young at heart and in appearance, Adeline enjoyed a life full of excitement and adventure. Her zest for life inspired others. She possessed a love of learning, travel, and the performing arts. She found much enjoyment as a long-time member of the Women’s Committee for the National Symphony Orchestra, The Society of Virginia, and the Army Officers' Spouses’ Club of the Greater Washington Area, as well as through her involvement with many other organizations and charitable activities. She resided in Northern Virginia for more than 50 years and retired from her work with the Federal Government in 1993. Her marriages to Lynnworth Sweeney, a local entrepreneur, and Major (Retired) Thomas Oakley “Topper” Phillips, Jr., a member of the US Military Academy Class of 1944, ended with their deaths. Two daughters preceded her in death, Shelley in 2012 and Randi in 2013. Celebrating Adeline’s life and mourning her death are her children Frank Parsons (Ginny), Rolly Butts (Steve), and Piper Larson (Greg), 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, extended family, and a host of friends. For those interested in making a donation in memory of our beloved mother, the family suggests a memorial contribution to the Adeline Marie Phillips Neurology Music Fund (https://www.giving.medstarhealth.org/mguh/adelinemariephillips) at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Established in her memory, this fund brings music to patients with neurological diseases, including brain aneurysms, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease. Also suggested is a contribution to Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate), a charity close to Adeline’s patriotic heart, or to a charity of choice. Services will be private. Arrangements under the direction of Demaine Funeral Home, Springfield, Virginia.