Obituary of Christene Phillips

Christene Phillips was born January 19, 1936 in Quinlan, Texas to the parentage of Lillie Mae Simon and Richard Phillips. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Dallas, TX in 1956. Immediately following her High School graduation, she entered into the Healthcare Industry.

Christene met and married the love of her life Mr. Freddie Lee Phillips January 9, 1959. They raised five children together. Freddie and Christene were married until he transitioned on March 10, 1974.

She continued working in the medical field for 37 years and retired from Dallas VA Medical Center as a License Vocational Nurse (LVN). Missing the Healthcare field, she returned for three more years of service.

In retirement, she followed her passion and enrolled into classes at Southern Bible Institute and College. Her love for Christ combined with her greatest desire to learn more about her Christianity, Christene, graduated at 75 years-old with her Associate Degree in Theology. Following her graduation and a new interest in computer technology, she earned a computer certification through the Urban League.

Christene was a Warrior for Christ. Her whole being exemplified Christ’s Love. She joined Living Testimony Baptist Church in 1974 and she was a loyal, dedicated, and active member. She oversaw the G.I. Girls, she was a Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher for the Women’s Class, The Instructor of the Usher Ministry, a nurse on the Nurse’s Guild, Deaconess President, a member of the Pastor’s Aide, Vacation Bible School Instructor, and on the Evangelistic Team Committee. Her entire life was dedicated to ensuring her family and all those she encountered knew Jesus Christ and His mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

In addition to her walk with Christ, she is known for the love she gave her family, her beautiful smile, and her amazing cooking abilities, with emphasis on her famous German Chocolate Cake.

Christene is proceeded in death by her husband, Freddie Lee Phillips Sr, her son, Richard Edgar Phillips, her parents Lilie Mae Coleman, and Richard Phillips, her sister, Frankie Sue Fuller, Troy Lee Phillips, R.L. “Sunny” Phillips, Gwendolyn “Gwen” Burdine.

She leaves to cherish her memories her four children, Freda Annette Franklin (Willie), Michael Depriest Phillips (Brenda), Freddie Lee Phillips Jr, and Bridget Yvette Woolen. Seven grandchildren, Desionne Quaashie Franklin, Tichawonna Tonette Franklin, Jamion Ettionne Franklin (Mireille), Krystal w/a “K” Yvette Woolen, Christene L. Phillips, David Akimkenyada Phillips, and Damonica Lakaye Phillips, 12 great grandchildren, one great, great grandchild. One brother, four sisters, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.