Sylvia Joy Phillips Kelley passed away peacefully on January 27, 2023, after a three-decade battle with breast cancer. Her love for family as well as her stoic nature served her well as she claimed every day for the win once the diagnosis was given over 30 years ago.
Sylvia was born in Longview, Texas to Ligon D. and Hattie Opal Phillips and was sister to George and Rosemary Phillips. She was preceded in death by her husband Dan S. Kelley, originally of Navasota, Texas.
Sylvia is survived by her three daughters: Betsy Kelley of Houston, Laurie Eder of Victoria and Cindy and Russell Marshall of Victoria. Grandchildren include Nick and Jack Eder, Mason Marshall, Kelsey Marshall Shive and Brian Shive, as well as her great-granddaughter Marek Shive.
Sylvia began her career as a teacher and went on to earn a master’s degree in Education while serving as Principal and Administrator for Alief Independent School District. She loved her retired golf life while living in Lake Conroe (Walden) where she made lifelong friends and memories while hitting the greens daily. She was an avid backyard gardener and could often be found on her back porch with a good book and her faithful Cairn Terrier, Ike. In recent years, Sylvia volunteered at Twice Blessed Showroom where she enjoyed Friday afternoons with her Twice Blessed friends and helping customers find their next great bargain.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family thankfully requests donations in memory of be made to:
Hospice of South Texas
605 Locust Ave
Victoria, TX 77901
Twice Blessed Showroom - a nonprofit outreach of First United Methodist Church 104 W. Commercial Street, Victoria, TX 77901
The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers from many people including: her neighbors, her Hospice of South Texas nurses, doctors and staff, as well as her extended family and friends of Victoria, Texas and beyond.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com for the Kelley family.
