- Date Of Birth: November 27, 1916
- Date Of Death: September 18, 2008
- State: Michigan
Helen J. Phillips, 91, of Three Oaks, Michigan died September 18, 2008 at her home, with Jack, her husband of 62 years, by her side. Helen was born November 27, 1916 in Converse, Indiana to Wendell and Winnie Faye (Pence) Gift.
She graduated from Converse High School and continued her education at Purdue, improving her secretarial skills. She served her country during WWII as a cryptologist with the Women’s Army Corp, stationed in New Guinea. On September 22, 1946, Helen married John “Jack” Phillips. She and Jack moved to Three Oaks in 1962, where they owned and operated Phillips Eat-N-Bowl. Helen was also employed at Bendix in St. Joseph, Michigan as the Administrative Assistant to the Personnel Director, retiring in 1975.
She enjoyed traveling and was the navigator on family vacations, always keeping the family going in the right direction. Helen liked needle point and created many beautiful pieces. She was a member of the Three Oaks Church of Christ. Helen loved her family and assisted with the raising of her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Jack; son, Paul (Rebecca) Phillips of Argos, Indiana; daughter, Jacqueline Ann (James) Tessman of Benton Harbor, Michigan; grandchildren, Michael, Christopher (Amanda), and Benjamin Phillips; and Byron (Andrea) Tessman; six great grandchildren, and her sister, Eleanor New of Indianapolis, Indiana. Her brother, Joseph Gift preceded her in death.
