Shigeko “Susie” Matsunami Phillips

Born on March 2, 1929, in Sapporo, Japan, she was a daughter of the late Chuzo and Kisa Matsunami. She came to America after her marriage to the late Roy Thompson, Jr., whom she met while he was stationed in Japan during his service in the US Army. Following Roy’s death in 1971, Susie - as she was known to her family and friends in America - raised their daughter and son as a wonderful, caring single mom before marrying the late Myles Phillips in August 1981.

A member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Susie enjoyed singing in the church choir and loved lending a helping hand to others in need whenever she could. She coordinated weekly gatherings for her Japanese friends, making sure that they always knew about and attended weddings, funerals, special events, and other activities together to support one another. She was a great cook of both Japanese and American cuisine for both her family and her friends. Shopping was another passion not only for herself but also for her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Susie is survived by her son, Jonny (Elizabeth) Thompson of Lexington; her stepson, Gary (Tari) Phillips of Columbia; her grandchildren, Bryan Grayson, Allison Grayson, and Katie Thompson all of Greenville; Mark (Kristen) Phillips of Los Angeles, California; Emmie Thompson of Washington, DC; and her great-granddaughter, Quinn Phillips of Los Angeles, California. In addition to her two husbands, Susie was predeceased by her parents and three brothers and two sisters of Sapporo, Japan; her daughter, Emily Jones of Columbia; her grandson, Alex Zipperian of Columbia; and her stepdaughters, Beth Phillips of Columbia and Carlene (Jim) Grayson of Greenville.

Special thanks is extended to the compassionate caregivers and staff of Saluda Nursing Center for the exceptional care given Susie during her time there. Thanks is also extended to Nurse Kristal of All Seasons Hospice for the special care she, too, gave Susie at her prior Assisted Living Facility.

A private graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Saluda Nursing Center, 581 Newberry Highway, Saluda, SC 29138.