Deborah Phillips

April 26, 1946-September 15, 2022

Deborah Phillips, 76, of Dallas, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Born on April 26, 1946, in Moline, IL, she was the eldest daughter of the late James Owen and Elaine Cyrilla (Meersman) Callahan. On August 3, 1968, in Davenport, IA, she married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence F. Phillips, who survives at home.

Debbie was a 1964 graduate of Assumption High School in Davenport, IA, and a 1968 graduate of Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, IA. Debbie was passionate about children and education, and she worked as an elementary and middle school teacher for over 30 years.

Beloved by all who knew her, Debbie was a parishioner of Prince of Peace Catholic Community in Plano, TX. She was a member of the Junior League of Plano, and Debbie loved to volunteer in the community, especially in Plano schools. Debbie was an extremely talented artist and an award winning painter. She loved Bible study, bridge club, gardening, tennis, and was an avid golfer. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, and she loved nurturing them at her “Camp Grammy” with crafts, games, lessons and Bible study.

Debbie is survived by her daughter, Hilary (Phillips) Dietz, her husband, Brian, and their children Morgan Elle and Meadow Leigh; her son, Forrest Phillips, his wife, Stacey, and their children Emily Shae and Layton Finn; her four sisters: Colleen Callahan of Greeley, CO, Jen Schwartz of Aliso Viejo, CA, Jan Doyle and her husband, Jim, of San Juan Capistrano, CA, Bridget Stewart of Brea, CA; her three brothers: Mike Callahan and his wife, Cindy, of Vernon, AZ, Cary Callahan of Corona, CA, and Kelly Callahan of Enumclaw, WA. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews, all of whom adored her. Along with her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by her brother, Sean Callahan.

The funeral service will be held for family and friends at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8017 Preston Rd, Dallas, TX 75225, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 14, with a Celebration of Life to follow immediately after at her home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Debbie’s name to LovePacs Plano, an organization near to her heart, at https://lovepacs.org/our-communities/plano/