Alice Marie Siebert Philp

1931 - 2025

Alice Marie Siebert Philp

August 30, 1931 - December 12, 2025

Durham, North Carolina - Alice Marie Siebert Philp, age 94, died on Friday, December 12, 2025. She was born on August 30, 1931, in Lakeland, FL to Frederick Louis Siebert and Lilius Idabelle Perry Lowrey Siebert. She was predeceased by her parents and beloved husband of 61 years, Robert Philp. She is survived by her children, Robert (Beth) of Littleton, NH; Laurel Perkinson (Jeff) of Columbia, SC; Julie McKeel (Dale) of Durham, NC; and Amy Philp of Columbia, SC; 9 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter, and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Philp Brooks of Clayton, GA.

Alice grew up in Lakeland and Avon Park, FL, with many summers spent near Raleigh and the mountains of NC. She earned a degree in music in 1953 from Wheaton College and after graduation, taught music at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School (1954-1957). Alice met her future husband, Bob, at the school. They were married in the school chapel in 1957. After Bob earned his PhD from Emory University, they settled in Columbia, SC in 1963, where Bob joined the Chemistry faculty at the University of South Carolina (USC). Alice taught private piano and organ lessons and was the Music Director and Organist at Covenant Presbyterian Church from 1965-1985. She also taught piano at Columbia College's pre-college music department, from 1977-1987. During this time, she completed her master's in music education at USC. At First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Alice joined the adult choir, played the organ for the mid-week services, and filled in as an organist, accompanist, and pianist for churches around the state through 2012. When they downsized and moved closer to their daughter in Durham, NC, in 2015, they joined the Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoyed participating in studies, services, and special events.

Alice was the long-suffering wife of a long-suffering Gamecock fan. She loved Bob, her family, and her wide circle of friends. Even after a brain aneurysm in 1988 impaired her short-term memory and altered her ability to manage more complex tasks, Alice continued to enjoy her life and participate fully in whatever Bob, her grandkids, or dear friends proposed. Alice loved being with her grandchildren and friends. She was a witty, sweet, charming Southern lady, and a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be missed by many.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, January 3rd at 2:00 p.m. in Smith Chapel at First Presbyterian Church, with visitation immediately following the service. Dr. Mark Ross will officiate. Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the Designated World Missions Fund or the Organ/Sanctuary Project at First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.