Lee Parr Phipps

1933 - 2021

PHIPPS, Mrs. Lee Parr, After winning Vogue Magazine's 1954 guest editorship, Lee described herself to the editors as "having a penchant for the typical. If a graph could be made of the average American co-ed it would describe me entirely."

While this exemplifies Lee's humble nature and charm, her life was far from typical. She went on to lead a glamorous, adventurous and fulfilling life. Wherever she was in the world, family came first. If they weren't by her side, she would write them, sharing her experiences and most thoughtful advice. A great beauty, she always commanded the room with intellect and grace.

Margaret Lee Parr was born September 1, 1933 in Robstown, Texas to Margaret Marden (Russ) and James Carl Parr. Her family operated a cotton farm, with which she stayed engaged her entire life.

While studying at Southern Methodist University, Lee won prestigious guest editorships at Vogue and Mademoiselle Magazines. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

In 1955, she married Richard J. McGrath Jr. They had three children, John Parr, Maureen Alison and Margaret Lee. While posted in New Orleans, she worked for the Times - Picayune, starting her career in journalism. After New Orleans, Lee and her young family settled in New York.

Lee continued her career in New York City as a freelance writer, journalist and author. In 1968, she co-authored Creative Careers for Women, laying out actionable pathways for women seeking fulfilling careers, providing information largely inaccessible at the time. She co-founded McGrath/Power & Associates, leading one of the preeminent Public Relations firms in the country. Their client list included Fortune 500 companies, Silicon Valley technology pioneers, prestigious arts and cultural organizations and national media outlets.

While serving as Chairman and CEO from 1973 to 1993, she was a sought-after female voice in a male dominated industry. She consistently recruited young women, providing a platform to launch successful careers of their own. Lee never saw a glass ceiling, or perhaps chose to see through it, gaining entry into worlds where women found closed doors. Most importantly, she held those doors open, ushering in generations of talented women.

In 1989, she married the love of her life, Robert Lansing Phipps. The wedding was held at the home they built together in the South Carolina Lowcountry, Bolan Hall Plantation. They enjoyed a lifetime of travel and sport with friends and family, including annual trips to Cornwall, England and Argentina. They spent summers in Tidewater Virginia with their family, hosting a summer camp for their grandchildren.

Surrounded by her family, Lee Phipps passed away on Saturday morning, June 26, 2021. She was 87. She will always be remembered for her inimitable style, grace and intellect. She lived her life fearlessly, with a strong faith in God. The family matriarch's last words were, "I am not afraid." Her life was a gift to all who knew her. She was predeceased by her two children, Maureen Alison and John Parr, who she now joins in heaven.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Phipps; adoring daughter, Margaret Lee (McGrath) Crossen; son-in-law, D. Keith Crossen, M.D.; grandchildren, Maureen Alison Lee (Crossen) Marschalk, Margaret Lee Crossen, John David Keith Crossen; and great-grandchildren, Robert Butler Marschalk Jr. and Eloise Carver Lee Marschalk. Memberships: Cosmopolitan Club of New York, Regency Whist Club of New York, The Colonial Dames, Holy Trinity Church (Grahamsville, S.C.), Public Relations Society Am., Am. Society Journalists and Authors and Phi Beta Kappa.

Boards and Endowments: The Cousteau Society, Randolph Macon College, Lady Bird Johnson's Wildflower Center, The Maureen Alison McGrath '78 Memorial Library (Holy Child School), John Parr McGrath '79 Scholarship (Randolph-Macon College).

A service will be held July 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Ave., Richmond, Va. 23226. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to either Maureen Alison McGrath '78 Memorial Library School of the Holy Child, Rye, New York, https://holychildrye.gift/library, or John Parr McGrath '79 Scholarship, Randolph Macon College, Ashland, Virginia https://www.rmc.edu/alumni/give-now.