Joyce Darlene Norris-Phillips

Joyce Darlene Norris-Phillips (Tomlinson), 81, passed peacefully away on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Morrison Woods Health Campus, Muncie Indiana with her daughters at her side.

She was born on December 20, 1944 in New Castle Indiana to Martha Lee (Baughan) and Ernest A. Tomlinson. She graduated from Selma High School in 1963. She received a Bachelor's Degree in K-12 Education and two Masters Degrees; one in Education and the second in Counseling Psychology all from Ball State University.

Darlene taught reading throughout her career, as well as tutoring adults in literacy in her off hours. She started her 39 year teaching career at Greens Fork School and continued on to teach English and Reading at Hagerstown High School and New Castle Schools. She led Stage Club at Hagerstown and coached varsity girls track at both Hagerstown and New Castle. While at New Castle Schools, she proudly began the STAR (Students At Risk) program, which provided academic support and guidance to students that needed encouragement and direction. Because of the STAR program and her lifelong passion for education; she was considered a "mom" to many. She advocated for those who needed an influential voice and ingrained in her daughters the importance of secondary education and being strong independent women. Post-retirement, she worked as a language arts consultant with McDougall-Littell and was a caregiver to her mother, aunt, uncle and husband. She loved hosting holidays, playing card games, spending time with her retired teacher friends, Rock Steady friends, lifelong friends and her special neighbors that are all extended family. She was a loving mom, aunt and grandmother who will be so greatly missed.

Darlene was a majorette for Selma High School and later became a Ball State Cardette. She was an ABWA (American Business Women's Association) past president and was named Woman of the Year for the Silver Dawn Chapter in New Castle. She was a member of the National Education Association and the Indiana State Teachers Association. She was a lifelong member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church and served on the Altar Guild and was a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League.

Surviving are her two sisters, Angie (Gary) Proud and Paula (Steve) Dyer. She is also survived by her two daughters that she shared with J. Randy Norris, Dee (Dan) Norris-Helms and Leisha (Scott) Elchert. Brother and Sister-in laws Nick (Jenny) Norris, Jennifer (Jim) Carmichael. In 1994, she married Rodney A Phillips and is survived by her "bonus" daughter Brenda (Mike) Craig; 9 grandchildren: Megan (Andrew)Attwood, Leeanna Seppala, Austin (Kae) Helms, Trey (Macey) Elchert, Alexa (Kyle McKinzie) Helms, Haley (Grant) McBride, Kamryn (Micah) Smock, Christopher (Makenna) Elchert and Grant Elchert; and 8 great-grandchildren, Gunner, Wesson, Declynn, Noah, Louis, Jett, Prudence, Scarlett and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 27 years, Rodney A. Phillips.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Grace Lutheran Church with Rev. Daniel Mackey officiating.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel.

Memorials may be made in memory of Darlene Norris-Phillips to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 610 N. Reserve Street, Muncie, IN 47303 or New Castle/Henry County Adult Education, Sunnyside Education Center 2601 S. 14th St. New Castle, IN 47362

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.