Jo Helen Phillips

Jo Helen Phillips, 74, of Kempner died at home on Saturday, June 20, 2020 surrounded by her loving family after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Seguin, TX, on May 25, 1946, to Jean Joseph Elliott and Helen Irene (Cutright) Elliott, she would later graduate from Haskell H.S. before attending SMU, where she met her future husband, a handsome, young football player named John. While they both ended up transferring to different schools, their love for each other never diminished, and they were married on July 27, 1968. Jo Helen ultimately received her bachelor's degree in education from Texas Tech and was an elementary (later junior high) schoolteacher for 44 years, educating multiple generations of Lampasas youth. Even in retirement, she enjoyed regularly substitute teaching in the Copperas Cove schools. Mrs. Phillips is survived by her husband of almost 52 years, John Elkins Phillips; her daughter Marla Ann Strittmatter (Joseph) of Aubrey; her sons John Elliot Phillips (Jennifer) of Fall City, WA, and Robert Kyle Phillips of Bryan; her sisters Barbara Jean Brock (Jimmy Don) and Mary Ann Allen, both of Amarillo; her granddaughters Lauren Marie Strittmatter and Claire Anne Phillips; and her grandsons Clark William Phillips, Reed Joseph Strittmatter, and Collin Michael Strittmatter. She was adored by her grandchildren who affectionately called her "Memaw." Jo Helen was a woman of great faith, and while her earthly passing is mourned, her family is reassured by that same faith that she is now home with her Lord and Savior. Funeral services were held the morning of Monday, June 22, 2020 at Sneed Funeral Chapel, followed by burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lampasas. The family would like to thank all the staff at New Century Hospice for their loving care and grace during a very difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or to the library funds at Lampasas Middle School or one of the elementary schools.