LaVerne, 88, died peacefully at her home in Largo, FL on Sat., Feb. 16 after a long struggle with cancer. She was surrounded by family. Laverne was born in Chicago, IL on October 4, 1930. She was adopted by Dr. Vernon Leech and his first wife, Helena Van Alstyne. Dr. Leech married Miriam Green in 1938, and they raised LaVerne. Goldie Allen Proctor, LaVerne’s birth mother, reconnected with her in 1996 and they remained in touch until Goldie’s death in 2005.
She attended public schools in Evanston, IL and received a B.A. degree from Western College, Oxford, OH. She earned a Master of Education degree from National College of Education in Evanston, IL after which she taught kindergarten for two years in Park Ridge, IL. Parents of her students introduced her to James Ellis Phillips, a widower with three children. They were married July 30, 1955. Jim died in 2009.
LaVerne was a “stay-at-home” mom, active in several organizations – Presbyterian Church, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and National Conference of Christians and Jews. In the late 1960s, she and Jim focused their volunteer work on the Institute of Cultural Affairs, the global organization concerned with the human factor in world development. For fourteen years, they traveled the world, teaching seminars, and participating in community reformulation consults.
They became permanent residents of Florida in 1985 where LaVerne became involved with the “arts scene.” She was a member of Studio 1212 (an artists’ cooperative), a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society as of 2005, and the International Society of Acrylic Painters. An award-winning artist, her paintings are in many private collections. LaVerne has said, “Making art is a lot like everyday life. One takes what one is given and makes something of it. The important part is the creating. Sometimes the magic works, and sometimes it doesn’t. The joy is in the ‘becoming.’ I love making art! It nourishes my soul and releases endorphins of well-being.”
She is survived by her four children – Jane (Bill), Jeff (Lois), Nancy (Tom), and Scott (Monica), seven grandchildren – Jon (Ellen), Brad (Christy), Andy (Linda), Adam, Margaret, Charlie and Tony, and eight great grandchildren – Henry, Cora, Michael, Simon, Sam, Elaina, Isla and Mark
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From son, Scott-
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!!!
~~ Lynda and John Cock
James Ellis Phillips, 90, of Largo, FL, died Sept. 23, 2009. Born in Carrollton, IL, Mr. Phillips grew up in Woodstock. He lived his adult life in Oak Park, Park Ridge and Lake Forest, before becoming a Floridian in 1985.
A graduate of the U. of Illinois, he earned three varsity football letters and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. During WWII, he served in the U. S. Navy as a supply officer. Mr. Phillips worked for 35 years in sales with the Hoerner Waldorf Corp. in Chicago.
After retiring, he and his wife volunteered with the Institute of Cultural Affairs. Although based in Chicago, their work took them to all continents as they participated in local development projects.
Mr. Phillips is survived by his wife of 54 years, LaVerne; daughters Jane Phillips Donaldson (Bill), Nancy Phillips Dunne (Tom); sons Dr. James E. Phillips, Jr. (Lois) and Scott Phillips (Monica); also surviving are grandsons Jon, Brad, Andy, Adam, Charlie and Tony; granddaughter Margaret; and great-grandson Henry; his sister, Dr. Margaret Phillips Steinam; and nieces Dr. Susan Wilson and Patricia Saunders also survive.
Throughout his extraordinary life, Mr. Phillips provided unconditional love and inspiration to his family and friends. He had a tireless commitment to those in the world less fortunate. He was engaged in the events of the day, read volumes, and enjoyed sharing his always thoughtful perspective and sense of humor. He was revered by those who knew and loved him and will be sorely missed. Go Cubs!
