Philene Whitfill

Philene Whitfill passed away on February 1st, 2021 in Houston, Texas at the age of 86. Philene was born December 17, 1934 in Hamlin, Texas to Ola Frances Randolph and Ward Levi Harris, and was later blessed to have her stepfather, Willie Aaron Dyal, share most of her adult life. After graduating high school, Philene worked as a Credit Specialist at Frost Brothers in San Antonio. She married on February 2nd, 1952 to Jerry Kelly Whitfill, who attained the rank of Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Philene and Jerry were married for 54 years and raised 4 children: 2 boys and 2 girls. Jerry's military service afforded them the opportunity to visit Japan, England, Mississippi and Texas. Jerry also had several temporary duty assignments in France and the Netherlands, while Philene remained state-side raising their 4 small children.

As her children grew and began entering college and the work force, Philene became more active in her community, reaching out to a neighboring refugee family from Vietnam. Although the father of the family spoke English, none of the children nor the mother could. Philene soon had the family's children gathered around her kitchen table, teaching them English and helping them transition into school. Several years later, the oldest son graduated from high school with honors and invited Philene to attend the ceremony. To her surprise, the young man recognized her in the audience and in his graduating speech credited her with teaching him English.

After more than 26 years in the military, Jerry and Philene retired to his family farm in the Denison, Texas area. Philene enjoyed life on the farm, building fences, cutting down Bois D'arc trees and baling hay. She was an excellent cook and loved to sew, especially baby blankets cherished by her grandchildren. After Jerry's passing in 2006, Philene continued the hard work of running the farm on her own for 8 more years until she relocated to Houston to be closer to her children.

Philene Whitfill was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her brother Levi Harris, and her granddaughter Michelle Hamilton Raybon.

Philene is survived by her 4 children: Jerry K. Whitfill, Jr. (Linda, deceased), Phyllis Hamilton (Edward), Gerald Whitfill (Joan), and Patricia Fox (Emett, deceased). She is also survived by five grandchildren: Aaron Hamilton (Sarah), Brian Dodson (Charlotte), Brandy Browning (Monty), Roy Whitfill (Angie) and Gina Stafford (Ray). Philene was also blessed with 11 great grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the following: Drs. Jeanette Nguyen and Brianne Addicks and staff of Premier NW Houston Medical, Dr. Edward Baumgartner and staff of Texas Interventional Pain Specialists, and Home Instead and staff.

An extra special thank you to Audrey Monroe for her excellent care of Philene through Home Instead. Audrey became a true friend to Philene and became a part of her family.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, February 17th, at Brookside Funeral Home-Cypress Creek, 9149 Hwy 6 N, Houston, TX 77095.