H.R. No. 712
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Family and friends are mourning the loss of Ester
Kay "Mimmy" Phillips of Garland, who passed away on February 25,
2009, at the age of 65; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Robert Preston and Mary J. Bryan,
the former Ester Kay Bryan was born on October 2, 1943, in Dallas,
and she grew up in a cheerful home with her four siblings; she went
on to meet Steve R. Phillips, and they were united in marriage in
1961, with her father, a Baptist pastor, performing the ceremony;
the couple soon relocated to California, where they became the
parents of a son, Steven Scott, and a daughter, Tamara Kay; and
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Phillips later returned to the Lone
Star State, and they welcomed their son, John Mark, in 1967, while
they were residing in San Antonio; when Mrs. Phillips discovered
that John Mark had been born deaf, she immediately learned sign
language, and it was she who taught the other members of her family
how to communicate via signs with John Mark; she later led songs in
sign language at Calvary Baptist Church, where she also taught
first grade Sunday school for 30 years; and
WHEREAS, A strong supporter of the Republican Party,
Mrs. Phillips participated in numerous precinct and senatorial
conventions; she knocked on doors, made countless phone calls, and
hung signs in behalf of Republican candidates at the local, state,
and national levels; moreover, she was an active member of Golden
Corridor Republican Women, and she was highly regarded by the group
for devoting her time and talents as its hospitality chair;
Mrs. Phillips further demonstrated her patriotism by hosting a
neighborhood Fourth of July parade, through which her fellow
residents came to appreciate her knack for entertaining; and
WHEREAS, A woman of strong faith and character, Mrs. Phillips
was known for serving others selflessly and for sharing her
positive attitude, her words of encouragement, and her bright smile
with everyone she met; in addition to her husband and three
children, Mrs. Phillips delighted in the company of her 13
grandchildren, and she enjoyed taking them on summer vacations and
celebrating their birthdays; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated volunteer and a beloved matriarch, Kay
Phillips enhanced the lives of her relatives, friends, and
neighbors with her caring nature, and her memory will forever be
treasured in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know
her; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Ester Kay Phillips and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her husband
of 47 years, Steve R. Phillips; to her sons, Steven Scott Phillips
and his wife, Diane, and John Mark Phillips and his wife, Saunia; to
her daughter, Tamara Kay McElwain, and her husband, Tom; to her
grandchildren, Amber Cannon-Edwards and her husband, Matt,
Ashleigh, Allison, and Amy McElwain, and Zachary, Danielle, Hope,
Alyssa, Brendan, Shane, Adrienne, Bethany, and Jason Phillips; to
her sisters, Sue Alexander and her husband, Deaun, and Carol
Whitley; to her brothers, Paul Bryan and his wife, Pat, and David
Bryan and his wife, Carol; and to her other relatives and friends;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Ester Kay
Phillips.
Laubenberg
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 712 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 26, 2009.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House