Ima Jean was born in Odell Texas on October 10, 1930, to Garland K and Velma Martin. Ima Jean was the Iowa Park High School Class of 1949 Valedictorian. After graduation, she attended Texas
Technological College majoring in home economics. Ima Jean attended Texas Tech College until she met the love of her life, Clarence “Red” Philips, in Wilson, TX. They were married on January 28, 1951, celebrating 57 years together.
Ima Jean was a dedicated wife, homemaker, mother, career woman and Nana. When her daughters were older, she began night classes at Draughon’s Business College earning a certificate in computer programming. Ima Jean began a career at Texas Tech University as a data processing programmer while continuing to pursue her degree. Ima Jean received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education with a Minor in Textiles from Wayland Baptist University in May 1980. Ima Jean was recognized and awarded Texas Tech’s prestigious “Award of Excellence” from Texas Tech in 1981. During her 23-year career with Texas Tech, Ima Jean was promoted to Project Manager in AIS overseeing the Student Information system until her retirement in January 1993.
Ima Jean was a gifted seamstress. She used her self-taught sewing skills to make clothing for herself, her daughters, and her grandchildren as well as innumerable baby blankets. After retirement she broadened her love for sewing with embroidering and quilting. During her early retirement years, she helped at the University Mission in Lubbock, sharing her gift by teaching sewing skills to young women. Ima Jean was a faithful and devoted servant to our Lord and Savior with her time and tithes. Ima Jean served in many capacities at both New Deal First Baptist and First Baptist Church of Lubbock.
Ima Jean is survived by her daughters Dena (Jimmy) Lloyd, Debra (David) Scarbrough, and son in law Leslie Dendy; grandchildren Shannon (Yasha) Neparko, Marsha (Joel) Neeb, Kyle (Nicole) Meeks, Amanda Dendy, Dustin (Whitney) Scarbrough, Derrick (Erica) Scarbrough, Sean (Nyssa) Dendy, Amber (Dustin) Davisson, Jordan (Maggie) Lloyd; 19 great-grandchildren; sister in law Jane Phillips and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ima Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Red, daughter, D’Ann Dendy, grandson SSG Michael C. Lloyd, parents G K & Velma Martin, and brother Jimmie Martin.
The family would like to thank Whitley Place and Solaris Hospice for the kindness and care they gave to our mother.
Visitation will be held at Resthaven on Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 5 – 7 pm. A Celebration of life will be held at Resthaven Chapel on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 10:00 am. Burial to follow.
Contributions and memorials can be made to First Baptist Church, 116 Oak Ave, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482, or Life Recovered Inc, PO Box 2697, Denton, TX 76202.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for the Phillips family.
