Avis Jean (Merworth) Phillips

Avis Jean Phillips

1932 - 2021

Visitation will be held at Azle and Lake Worth Funeral Home on Monday, January 18, 2021, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM with a  Funeral Service to follow.  Interment will be held at Azleland Cemetery & Memorial Park.

Avis Jean Phillips was born to Hawley Harrison Merworth and Rada Devoy Merworth.  Her mother died at the age of 36 when Jean was only five years old.  This made her early years very difficult; she had to begin working at a young age to help her family.  Jean started by picking cotton in Louisana then, moved on to California where she worked at orchards.   Although Jean did not finish high school, she later earned her GED at TCU.  After, she went to obtain her Cosmetology Instructor's License leading her to opening her very own Beauty Salon.  

In 1969, Jean's kind heart led her down a different path.  She attended Texas A&M University at College where she earned her Teacher's Certification, before completing her Associate's Degree at TCJC in Fort Worth.  Jean taught along side the initial teacher that opened Plano Senior High School in 1970.  She continued working at Plano High for about ten years, despite having to make the 108 mile round trip drive five days a week.  In 1980, Jean transferred to Forrest Oak Middle School which was apart of the Fort Worth Independent School District where she was awarded teacher of the year.  She continued to obtain certifications in creative writing and computer literacy, earning additional credits at Texas A&M at Commerce. In 1997, Jean retired from the Fort Worth School District and has enjoyed the past twenty-three years of retirement.

In addition, Jean had a partnership with her husband and his brother's wife owning and operating a poultry farm.  She contributed by formatting the tax packages for their CPA.  

Jean was an exceptional dancer of Rock & Roll music. She loved her family beyond words.  Jean accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior-that Jesus died for all mankinds sins and rose on the third day with the belief that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life with Him in Heaven.

Jean joins her Lord and Savior as well as her parents and six siblings in her Eternal Home.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, David Phillips; children, Rhonda VanKirk Starks (Bobby), Gary VanKirk (Donna), and Carla VanKirk Cowan (Phil); grandchildren, Kimberly VanKirk, Jennifer Jordan, Trey Cellmer, Lori Carter, and Brandt Cowan; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews all whom she loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the American Kidney Fund - kidneyfund.org - in memory of Jean.

Jean Phillip's family would like to acknowledge and give a special thank you to Omega Hospice and Professional Care Givers.

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