Laverne "Nora" Phillips

Laverne "Nora" Phillips loved three things - her family, her God, and the color red! Born in Union City, Tennessee, located in the northwest corner of the state, Nora Phillips arrived on April 12, 1923. Her parents were Joe and Cora Fields. Nora was one of three children born to Joe and Cora. She had a sister Mildred and a brother Edward, or "Skinny" as he was known. Nora didn't talk much about her childhood, but her family does remember her saying it was very rough. Her mother died when Nora was two years old and life in Tennessee during the depression was rough for everyone. Nora always made sure that life was better for her own family. She married Glenn Cline in May of 1944 and both enjoyed the fellowship and activities of the local Moose Lodge. In 1962 they moved to Michigan. It was here that her daughter Peggy was born, bringing much joy and happiness to Nora's life. She took great pride in being a mother and homemaker and worked to make family life as pleasant as possible. Glenn died in 1978 and Nora lived alone for the next ten years until she married David Phillips in September of 1988. Nora loved taking care of her home and had found a kindred spirit in David. Gardening was a passion and Nora had that special ability to make any plant grow, both inside and out. Her favorites were those plants that had red blossoms - roses, tulips, and African violets. Nora felt so strongly about the color red that she made sure everyone knew that her wishes were to be buried in her red dress, complete with a pair of red shoes. Nora always said, shoes make the outfit. In fact, she looked for the shoes herself. When she spotted an ad for just the right pair, she ordered them. They were perfect! Nora's church family always held a special place in her heart. As a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church, her church was a great source of strength through the years. She especially cherished her friendship with Pastor Scott Church and his wife Judy. In the end, Nora was proud that she had accomplished a loving family, and a home and yard that others admired. Her final years were not easy but now she has gone on to life everlasting, free from all cares. Laverne "Nora" Phillips of Muskegon died February 18, 2006. She was preceded in death by her sister Mildred and brother Edward. Her family includes her daughter Peggy Hildebrandt of Muskegon; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her special friend and caretaker, Kathy Phillips, whom she considered family and loved dearly, and her church family and close friends Pastor Scott and Judy Church. Funeral services will take place at Trinity Baptist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Scott Church will conduct the services. Please visit Nora's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, sign the online guest book or make a memorial donation. Arrangements by Clock Life Story Funeral Home.