Helen E Phillips

Helen Phillips passed away February 11th, 2018, at the age of 87, at her home with family at her side. She will be laid to rest February 19th, 2018 at Green Acres Cemetery. Helen Eudell Bracken was born August 20th, 1930 to Myrtis and Walter Bracken in Decatur, Alabama. She was the oldest of eight children. As a youth she worked on farms, singing alongside people of many different races. She treated them as her equals, which was rare back in the 40's. She also used to sing often when the boys were young growing up. She had a very beautiful voice. Helen was talented with her hands. As a teen she taught herself to crochet and knit. Many of us have some of her creations in our homes. She also made a lot of her own clothes. When she was young, during WWll she babysat her brothers and sisters so her parents could work in the war plants. She married Harry Phillips in Ohio in 1953, then moved to West Virginia, and eventually moved to Arizona in 1968. After moving to Arizona she worked at Motorola for 5 and a half years. She helped her husband Harry start Har-Phill Machine Products, a small aerospace manufacturing business, which they eventually sold in 2001. She worked as a cook in the Scottsdale High School cafeteria. She also worked various jobs as an in-home caregiver. She loved to cook and care for her family. She especially loved baking around the holidays, making many types of cookies, breads and candies. She also enjoyed canning preserves. She came in contact with the Gospel through her mother in law Tessi Phillips in 1980. Tessi needed a ride to the Gospel meetings after moving to Arizona from West Virginia. She made her choice to serve God that same year. Helen is survived by two sisters; Margie Holly of Florida, and Judy Wolny of Alabama; One brother William Bracken of Ohio; Four Sons Ron Phillips and wife Peggy, Gary Phillips and Wife Marietta, Dale Phillips and Barbara, Mark Phillips and wife Laurie; Eleven grandchildren, Chris, Mike, Travis, Ryan, Amanda, Melissa, Heather, Jessica, Tessi, Nicole, Janae; thirteen great grandchildren, and many dear friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Harry Phillips, brothers Lecil, Ted, and Dewain Bracken. Sister Jane Douglas, and granddaughter Tanya Phillip. In Lieu of flowers family requests donations to be made to Hospice of the Valley.