We remember the many Sundays we would go home with Granny and PawPaw after church for a WONDERFUL Sunday FRIED CHICKEN DINNER. Granny was a wonderful cook and some of the cakes she made were oh so good.  Raymond said remember the bologna and onion sandwiches.  Those onions from the garden and the radishes he likes the fresh grown veggies,some of the best tomatoes one could find.    Then came our first daughter Granny bought her the most beautiful dresses and her first birthday we will not forget, a cake just for Cindy(Petie Leigh)and another one for the rest of us besides  food, enough to feed the neighborhood.  Great fellowship and prayer. Granny was a great prayer worrier she could call on the Lord in a time of need and stay on her knees until we all heard from God.  We may be miles a way but not in spirit, ya'll are in our thoughs and prayers.   Raymond and Carol Leigh

Grannie Phillips, a tribute to you....
(Written by Annette Reeder, Read by Crystal Short at services on 2-24-06)
Today we pay tribute to a woman so dear, 
She knew how to cook and spread the holiday cheer. 
She never let any special occasion pass,
Without sending a card, which she bought in mass. 
Things she loved to do was to cook and to shop,
And Jessica, we laughed at her dance she called the “I-Hop.”

She would love the attention that she receives here today, 
But more than that she would love for each of us to say,
“We love the memories that we hold so near,
Today we may shed just a few tears. 
But the tears that we shed are not of sorrow,
Because of the joy that is promised gives hope for tomorrow. 
Today is not goodbye that we say, 
But we celebrate your home going, Granny, and
We’ll be there someday.

We love you Granny.

Happy Birthday Mom,
I know it your first birthday in heaven. And by now you have notified everyone that it is a holiday "decorate". I've had a few moments alone with tears, because I would have had a few more good years to share with you. However, God knew best and you deserved the rest and no more pain. You can now walk straight and remember every moment of happiness as a family we shared. Remember Mom the haircut I received under the bed in Graham, Texas. It was only one pony tail, maybe that is why I was cursed with pin curls for so long or the ant bites from trying to dig up the holes. I was only 5 years old! 
Then the move to Wichita Falls, learning to ride my bike with no shoes. How many times I dug my toe into the pavement "ouch". And yes about that time we got a new addition to the family. I didn't want him, all he did was cry and wet but I was headed for 1st grade and most of those days I beat you back home after dropping me off. I never did like school! 
Then another addition to the family and this time you cried the whole 9 months. I didn't like this baby girl either all she did was cry and wet her diapers too! When she was able to walk I would run her, maybe that is why she moves so slow today. Ha!
Pa Gee's old salvage yard was close to our house, I was older so all the cousins and I would play over there. When Rodney and Debbie bothered us we would put them in a old car and leave them. They always came home so dirty and sweaty. Maybe that is why Debbie is so afraid of spiders and Rodney has 3 or 4 old cars tore up in his back yard. 
Moving on McNiel really changed our world. We actually had sidewalks and a new neighborhood to discover. I found a new group of friends who were not related to me. The yard was full of kids, wagons, and bikes. That year dad put a whole package of black cats in the BBQ grill and the neighborhood knew the Phillips' had arrived and plan to stay a long time. We now have 6 lots and family lives on 5 of them. Debbie was the odd ball (or the smartest) she moved about 12 blocks away. You and Dad were my strength & rock when Howard had to have brain surgery. God always saw us through even when the wind (tornado) blew us away. It has not always been easy but we are a family that God put together and no matter how deep the valley, the mountain top was just over the next horizon.
Mom it's hard on us this year as we were not ready to give up but God knew best as always. Rodney, Debbie and I have pulled together these last few months and we did it for you and dad. But God has provided for you so much more than what we could at Arbor House. We'll continue to take care of dad even if it means putting his socks on. 
So, Mom I know your birthday in heaven is a "decorated affair" with all it's splendor but your family will remember you today as we gather together in your honor to celebrate it.

Grannie Phillips:
                God's Angel

You were God's willing servant
Eager to help and reluctant to quit
There was nothing too big or small
That with Him you could not conquer

Your heart is a reflection of God's own
Reminding us of His great mercy
For Christ's love was too great
Much like yours, to be bound to this earth

You are but one in His heavenly host
Gone to prepare for us a mansion
And when that day shall come
I will join you as on of God's Angels.

My Grandmother/(Mother),My Angel

One night as I was drifting off to sleep, I began to dream.  In this dream, I was on a very long journey.  This journey was to be very hard and trying.  As I was on my way, I believed that I could no longer go on.  So, I dropped to my knees and prayed to God.
God, I said: I can  go no further.
Then, out of the dark, cloudy sky came the most beautiful angel.  As she began to walk with me, I noticed something.  A smell; a very familiar smell.  I turned to the angel and said: you have the most beautiful smell, just like my grandmother/ (mother).
The angel said nothing; she just smiled, and when she did, I replied: your smile is just like my grandmothers/ (mothers) as well.  
As we walked further, the trip was beginning to get tough.  So, for strength, I looked into the angel's eyes, and there I saw the most beautiful eyes.  The same as my grandmothers/ (mothers).  As I told her so, she let out a small giggle, and as she did, I stood in awe, that her laugh was the same as my grandmothers/(mothers)too.
Then I looked ahead, and the path was suddenly clear, and the sky was the most wonderful blue.  I turned to the angel and said: Thank You, for helping me through this tough time in my life.  But before she left, I said: you know it's amazing that in so many ways, you are like my grandmother/(mother).
Then, from nowhere, the sky opened up and the hand of Jesus came down and laid upon my shoulder and he said: My Child, this Angel is your Grandmother/(Mother), and she has just lead you through one of the most troubled times of your life; and if you ever need her again, just ask; for she is by my side, watching over you everyday.  Then I awoke with a smile, knowing that she was there, watching me, as she had done for so many years while on this earth and she would for many years to come, uniil I am with her again at the Gates of Heaven, where she will be waiting with open arms to give that famous hug and kiss from an Angel!!

     WE LOVE AND MISS YOU GREATLY GRANNY
                      
                      YOUR LOVING FAMILY

Aunt Altie opened her heart and her home to me. Her love, laughter, and home cooking will be missed. 

Memories are like stars in the dark night of sorrow.
May time soften the pain until all that remains is the beauty of the memories ...
and the love, always the love.

This is the message that Jason delivered at Mom's services. He and Kevin stood together. We are the only two grandsons that granny had and felt it necessary to remember her today. In spite of what you have heard about us, in our defense we are a product of granny's raising. When I was little and dad was working granny would come to the house and pick me up for the night so that Mom would have only one baby instead of two for the night. However, I was always told that I was the good one and my sister was the pain. Anyway, Kevin and I would have been in a lot more trouble had it not been for granny by the fact that she was quick to bust our backsides when we needed it. I didn't even know that granny had two hands as I thought one was a fly swatter. We never knew what room she kept it in but later realized she had more than one in several rooms of the house. Granny's prayer was short and to the point as she held me many times when I was sick or going to sleep and she whispered Jesus over and over. She knew that He was enough. God has been good to our family. He has always met our needs and never failed us and we know that he is here today. For the last several months Granny has been wanting to go home and now she finally is.

I have known Alta and Joyce forever!!  If I had not met Alta I would have never known how to make Frosting for a Cake.... the old fashioned way with the Crisco and Powdered Sugar.  I would have never known how to do alot of the things that I do today from knowing this delightful family.  Alta was always so loving to me and when I hit a bad spell in 1983 I don't know what I would have done without Alta and Joyce standing behind me.  And I will sure miss this Wonderful woman.  The last few years I have not been able to spend the time I would have liked to have spent with her but I always got my Note or small letter from her at Christmas until her health started Failing.  Alta when my time comes I sure hope you are standing at the Gates and ready to give me My Hug!!  You were one GREAT Woman and you will be missed greatly by all that You loved and touched.

There never was a finer lady. She had the prettiest dancing eyes when she was up to her mischief. She will be greatly missed but will be in our hearts forever. God has one more angel in heaven tonight. God bless all of the family at your loss.

Alta will be greatly missed.  I remember all the good eats she prepared for church functions and the way she liked to celebrate any occassion with her family and friends.  Her home was always beautifully decorated and the loving atmosphere was always present.  She and her family were great friends to us when we first moved to Wichita Falls and I will forever be thankful for having her in our lives.  Our deepest sympathy goes to the family memebers.  We love and appreciate you all and if we can do anything,  please let us know.     Rick and Ruth Learst

OBITUARY

Mrs. Alta Phillips

March 14, 1932 – February 20, 2006

Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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