Elizabeth Phipps

Elizabeth Phipps was born in 1937 in Bloomfield, Indiana, and grew up on a nearby farm with her parents and three sisters.  She graduated from Indiana State University in 1959, sum cum laude, and married Gary Phipps later that year.  Gary’s work took them from Indiana to New Jersey to Kansas City to Atlanta over the 53 years of their marriage.   Liz was a teacher all along the way, first as a home economics teacher during 22 years in New Jersey, and then in special education for the blind and visually impaired in Kansas and Georgia. She loved students, set high standards for them, and tirelessly and enthusiastically supported their achievements.  She was recognized by her peers on several occasions for her teaching excellence.   Liz loved children, singing, reading, exercise, cooking, and being dressed well. She was an avid jogger for many years and later a loyal aerobics participant.  Her trained soprano voice often drew appreciative comment.  Liz also served in many church roles throughout the years; those involving teaching were her favorites.   She was very diligent in applying her teaching and personal talents to the successful upbringing of two daughters and their children.  Liz died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease on June 21, 2013.  She is survived be her husband, Gary Phipps of Atlanta; daughter Debora Phipps of Providence, RI; daughter Lisa Karcher of Little Silver, NJ; two grandsons and two granddaughters; and sisters Carolyn Duffey of Boonville, IN; and Taggart Smith of Sarasota, FL.   A memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 13th, with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, those interested in making a contribution in Liz’s honor may send it to St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338.  Contributions received will be placed in St. Luke’s Endowment Fund.