The following resolution was passed by the Texas
legislature. We would like to thank Rep. Jodie Laubenberg for sponsoring this resolution.
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
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