She was born November 20, 1930, in Raleigh. NC to the late Powell Graham and Shirley Kingsbury Fox was “Sister” to them and her brother, the late P. G. Fox, Jr.
Mother loved life and lived it to the fullest! Parasailing with her grandsons, skydiving to celebrate her 75th birthday, along with the “mundane” everyday life.... She found a way to make life fun! “Bowling” in the halls of the Legislative Office Building, riding in the red wagon down the backyard hill with her grandchildren, squealing all the way... to name a few more moments of pure joy. There was never a dull moment if Mother was around!
Mother and Dad did lots of traveling. Cruises, California wine country tours, Chicago, DC... For their 60th anniversary, on their own, they took a two-week trip to England & Scotland. To be sure, Shirley and John made many friends on each trip!
Mother worked almost 50 years In the NC House of Representative as a legislative clerk. That’s where she shined. She served as committee clerk to the House Finance Committee, House Education Committee, worked in the IT department between sessions, and served on many study commissions. She was a mentor and friend to many.
Shirley is survived by her husband of 71 years, John Dalton Phillips, daughter, Catherine P. Winslow, son, John D Phillips, Jr. and wife Ronni, Grandchildren, Chase and John Winslow, Danielle Phillips Swope and Dalton Phillips; 3 great-grandchildren, Rosemary and Oliver Strokus Winslow and Sawyer Winslow
A memorial service was held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, Hayes Barton United Methodist Church; SPCA, or charity of one’s choice.
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