Karen Phillips Obituary, Death- Karen White Phillips (79), died away quietly on April 11, 2023 accompanied by her family and her pet puppy “Poppy” at her apartment overlooking Quantico Creek in Quantico, MD. She was born in Salisbury, MD on July 10, 1943 and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Charlotte White.
She went to Wicomico High School as well as College Park’s University of Maryland. She was married to her high school sweetheart, William C. Phillips, her spouse of 60 years. a romance between teens that never ended. Karen knew people from all walks of life and you would feel like you had known her forever, minutes after meeting her. The first thing you would see when she approached would be her wide smile, followed by her real, infectious laugh. She was nice to everyone, forgiving, kind, loving, and always there for anyone who needed anything. No matter how much effort was needed, there was never any hesitation when assistance was needed.
In everything she did, including parenting, grandparenting, her job, and for those who knew her well, her passion of shopping and decorating, she gave it her all. She was familiar with every retailer within a 5-hour drive or 10-hour flight because she was the mother of three girls. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren. She was so much fun that everyone hoped she would accompany them on trips to the supermarket, vacations, or even just a day at the beach. It was always a memorable occasion, regardless of where you were or what you were doing.
Mimi, as her grandkids affectionately referred to her, was a dependable source of counsel, company, and unwavering love. Even when their parents thought it might be excessive, she spoilt her grandkids more than most grandmothers do. It was no coincidence that Toys “R” Us started to have financial issues when her grandchildren were all grown up and she was no longer there. Mimi changed a lot of people’s lives, and she will always be remembered.
Her three daughters, Wendi Ward of Salisbury, Jenni Vizard (Mike) of Salisbury, and Amy McKnight (Jeff) of Heath, Texas, as well as 10 grandchildren, survive her. She was married to William C. Phillips of Quantico. Also included are three sisters: Sandra Wharton (Bruce) of Salisbury, Tina Devonald (Frank) of Ocean View, Delaware, and Becky O’Neill (Jack) of Smyrna, Georgia. Mimi’s home in Quantico, Maryland, will host a celebration on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 2 p.m. Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733 Salisbury, MD 21802; Westside Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 85 Bivalve, MD 21814; or Hebron Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 300 Hebron, MD 21830 are all accepting memorial contributions in Karen’s honor.