Bertha M. Phillips

Bertha M. Phillips, a beloved sister and treasured aunt, died on October 12, 2011, in Conroe, Texas at the age of 88.

Bertha was born to Jerry and Florence Phillips in Ozona, Texas. She never married nor did she have children of her own, but she had significant influence on her nephews and nieces through her unconditional love and example of integrity and good work ethic. Bertha is survived by her sister, Ruby Hickox and brother-in-law, I. N. Hickox of Coden, Alabama. Additional survivors include nephews and nieces, Charles and Wanda Hickox, Steve and Irene Holbrook of Mobile, Alabama, Patrick and Heather Hickox of Fairhope, Alabama, Randall and Phillis Steele of Montgomery, Texas, eleven great nephews and nieces and seven great-great nephews and nieces.

Bertha grew up as a daughter of an educator living in various towns of Texas including Stephenville and Iredale. She attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock during World War II and earned a degree in accounting. She worked in the oil and gas industry in West Texas and Houston after graduation. She was proud to earn her Certificate of Public Accountancy in 1958.

When she lived in Houston she was a long time member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church. Upon moving to April Sound in Montgomery in 1984, Bertha found a church home at First United Methodist Church of Conroe. She was active in United Methodist Women and served in various capacities utilizing her talents in finance. Bertha volunteered at West Montgomery Library in the early days of its establishment and used those same skills in her church library.

Bertha loved reading and usually gave gifts of books. She loved to travel with friends, family and with her church family. She was always ready to serve anyone in need and help in real and practical ways. She enjoyed researching family genealogies. She shared her love of music, theater and the arts with all of us. Most of all she loved the Lord and being with Him.

Visitation will be at Metcalf Funeral Home in Conroe on Friday, October 14, 2011, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Dr. Jerry Neff will preside over the service to celebrate Bertha's life. Family and friends will gather at First United Methodist Church of Conroe on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 11:00 in the morning in the main sanctuary. Burial will be in Turnersville Memorial Cemetery on Monday, October 17, 2011 at 11:00 am.

The family would request that in lieu of flowers please make a donation to First United Methodist Church, 4308 West Davis Street, Conroe, Texas 77304-4284.

We are grateful and wish to thank the many friends who visited Bertha during these last few years. Thank you, staff of Park Manor of Conroe for your gentle and tender care of our dear aunt. May God bless each of you.