Bernice L. Phillips

1926 - 2016

Bernice L. Phillips 1926-2016
Age 89 of North Canton, died peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, following an extended illness. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, on March 3, 1926, the youngest daughter of Frederick H. and Bertha (Patton) Nance. A graduate of East High School in Columbus, she was a member of The National Honor Society, and a school Spelling Bee champion. Her early work experience began as a proof reader in the editorial department at The Columbus Dispatch. In 1947, she began her nursing education at The Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Canton, Ohio, where she became a registered nurse. In 1949, she married John W. Phillips, and together, raised seven children. Her natural curiosity and love of education were always a constant in her life. In the early 1980's, she enrolled at Kent State University, "Because it's never too late to go back to school". At Kent, she earned her Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, followed by her Masters in Sociology in 1988. Over the years, she enjoyed staying in touch with her Mercy School classmates and was a member of the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association. She had an interest in arts and crafts, and cherished her time with her craft club friends. In later years, she always looked forward to her monthly outing with her "Out to Lunch Bunch". She also enjoyed reading, gardening, canning, and cooking. A lifelong Catholic, Bernice was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in North Canton.
Bernice was a very loving and devoted wife and mother and is survived by six children, John W. Jr. and wife Randi of Gilbert, Ariz., Mark D. and wife, Jeannette of Akron, Ohio, Thomas E. and wife Elizabeth of Salisbury, N.C., Richard P. and wife Paula of Louisville, Ohio, James J. and Lory A. Figurella of North Canton, Ohio, and Frederick, of North Canton, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Jason M., Lindsay, Lauren A., Thomas E. Jr. and wife Melissa A., Rachel M. and husband Thomas J., Heather E., Dalton P. Marshall, Stuart H. Marshall and their father, Roy Jackson Marshall III; four great-grandchildren, Nathan T., Sean T., Larke E., and Laina C.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bernice is preceded in death by her husband, John W. Phillips, and daughter, Patricia Phillips Marshall. Also by brothers, James A., Ralph, Harry D., Frederick L. Nance; sister, Alma R. Ludwick; and beloved sister-in-law, Lucille B. (Petrella) Nance. Bernice will be remembered for her pride in and love for her family, her very kind and gentle nature, and her ability to always see things through, never losing her faith or hope. She was able to do this, all while carrying on with a cheerful disposition. Her low key style of tenacity helped her with all of life's challenges, not the least of which was being a long term survivor of three types of cancer in her lifetime. Bernice always put her loved ones well being ahead of her own. No problem was ever too big or small, but viewed as an opportunity for growth in some way, shape, or form. Above all, the greatest joy Bernice had was being with family. The family wishes to extend their sincerest appreciation to her physicians and medical care givers over the course of her life.
In honoring her wishes, Bernice was cremated, and there will be no calling hours. The family will hold at a later date, a private memorial service and interment in West Lawn Cemetery in Canton, OH. Memorial donations may be made to the Canton Ex-Newsboys Association, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Mark R. Vrabel Funeral Home of North Canton, Ohio (330-452-4041).