Patricia Phillips

Patricia Ann Phillips “Walmart Ring Lady”, age 78, formerly of Gainesville, Texas, passed away Friday, October 7, 2016 in Waco, Texas after fighting a long courageous battle with cancer. There will be a private family viewing on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of life for family and friends at the VFW Post 6008 in Hewitt, Texas.

Patricia was born in Lubbock, Texas on December 17th, 1937 to Thomas A. Whatley and Wilma Baker-Whatley. She married Jess Phillips on December 20th, 1955 and she was a stay at home mom for many years to 3 biological children and was mother to many more. She returned to work later in life and worked 20 years caring for others and 16 years at Walmart. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister that enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

She is proceeded in death by her parents T.A. Whatley and Wilma Baker-Whatley, her husband Jess Phillips, her daughter Tammy Lynn Nelson, her brother Kenneth Becknal, and her sister Shirley Hafer.

She is survived by daughter Marianne Furlong and husband Ken; son Joe Phillips; sister Barbara Sue Beasley; brother Sonny Whatley and wife Kathy; sister Paula McWright and husband Gary; 9 grandchildren, Quinton McKinney and wife Sharon, Jaylyn Schumpert-Vaughn and husband Matt, Courtney Smith and husband Dustin, Shane Furlong and wife Nina, Michael Furlong and wife Lindsay, Lacey Nelson, Justin Phillips, Trista Furlong, and Jesse “Bubba” Furlong and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Walmart (Hewitt & Gainesville), Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest, Dr. Talukdar, nurses and staff at Baylor Scott & White McClinton Cancer Center for all the love, care and support that they have provided.