Madeline Claire "Phillips" Morrison

Madeline Claire Phillips Morris passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026 with her loving husband, Ken by her side. Madeline was born January 16, 1950 to Virginia Dare Connolly Phillips and William Barnett Phillips of Canton, Mississippi.

Madeline had a wonderful childhood with her sister, Debbie, participating in Girl Scouts and enjoying summers on the swim team. During her childhood, her family attended Grace Episcopal Church in Canton. She would spend many happy times visiting family in Laurel and around Mississippi. She graduated from Canton High School in 1968 with honors. In high school she was a member of the National Honor Society and editor of the annual.

She attended the University of Mississippi where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, Tau chapter. Madeline met the love of her life at Ole Miss. Ken always said it was love at first sight when he saw Madeline. She and Ken were married on January 24, 1970. Madeline graduated from Delta State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.

Madeline was a teacher at Canton Academy, teaching Math 2, Algebra 2 and Advanced Math. Madeline loved math and she enjoyed teaching math to others. Madeline also worked at her business, Phillips Lumber Company in Canton, Mississippi as an interior designer. Through her business, she was President of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Mississippi Building Materials Dealer Association.

Madeline was mother to her two daughters, Davin and Claire. She loved every minute of being a mother. She was a wonderful, loving, kind, caring and supportive mother. She would wipe tears away from eyes and kiss scraped knees. She would read bedtime stories and hold their hands when they were afraid. She would fall asleep holding them when they were sick. She would bake birthday cakes and decorate them in their favorite characters. She handmade dresses with French hand sewing. She did everything possible for her children to make sure they always felt loved and adored.

Madeline was blessed with being a grandmother to her four precious grandchildren. She was called Saba and Grandmama by Virginia Dare, Teddy, George and James. She loved getting hugs from them and encouraged them in everything that they pursued. She always told them how proud she was of them and they brought her so much joy. She loved hearing them read stories to her and her refrigerator was decorated with their artwork. She made it fun for her grandchildren by hosting bingo just for them at her house. She was always happy to help her grandchildren with their math homework. Madeline enjoyed going to the beach with her grandchildren and seeing the shells that they would bring her.

Madeline and Ken enjoyed traveling and they visited the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and Ireland. They even traveled to Australia for the 2000 Olympics.

Madeline was a member of First Methodist Church in Canton, Mississippi, where she was a past kindergarten Sunday school teacher and she was also the former Blood Drive Chairman.

Madeline enjoyed playing bridge with her friends.

She was an avid Ole Miss football and baseball fan who enjoyed going to the games with Ken. If she could not attend, she and Ken were either watching the games or listening to the Rebels on the radio. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Doaks Treaty Chapter providing the National Defense Minute.

In her pastime, she enjoyed reading books, bird watching, a warm cup of coffee and petting their cat.

Madeline is survived by her wonderful husband of 56 years, Ken; her daughters, Davin Ford (Webster), Claire Boler (Michael); grandchildren, Virginia Dare Ford, Teddy Boler, George Boler and James Boler; her sister Debbie Walton (Mark) and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Visitation will be held at First Methodist Church, Canton, Mississippi on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A visitation before the service will be held at 10:00 a. m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at First Methodist Church in Canton, Mississippi followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. with graveside burial following at Canton Cemetery.