I have sad news. My mother, LaVerne Phillips, passed away yesterday. She was 88. A 30 year survivor of cancer, she had recently been suffering again from it. She knew many of you or likely knew and worked with your parents during the two decades that she and my dad spent with the Institute which for her began as a volunteer at the 5th City preschool. I found a framed print of her women’s montage which she created and was for a time a fairly iconic piece of Order decor. I asked her to pose with it some time ago after I discovered it in her closet. I hope to find the original as we now go through her things. My mom will be remembered for her enthusiasm and wit and artistry and curiosity and humanity. A great woman has passed! Please have a good thought for LaVerne if you will. We miss her terribly already.
~~ Son Scott
I remember Laverne with great fondness and admiration. We taught a number of the LENS Women’s Weekends Together. I told her one time that I hoped one day I would be as good as her at teaching. She was a great teacher. 💫
~~ Wanda Holcombe
I remember both Laverne and Jim from being in Academy with them in 1968 and in the same “ecclesiola” in summer 1970. I only kept up with Laverne’s life through our good friend Georgianna McBurney but remember Laverne with fondness.
~~ Milan (and Linda) Hamilton
A most creative woman whose lively spirit brought delight wherever she was. I still have one of her handcrafted cards sent after Jim died. Both very special people to work with. With gratitude for knowing them both!!!
