Marlene Reid Eason Phillips went home to be with the Lord on July 22,
2023 at the age of 85. Marlene was born February 20, 1938, in Selma,
North Carolina to the late Albert and Martha Eason. In addition to her
parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Glenn Eason.
Marlene is survived by her husband of 65 years, Harold Phillips; sister-in-
law, Peggy Eason of Raleigh, North Carolina; daughter, Marcy and
husband, Carl; daughter, Jenifer and husband, Drew; daughter, Karen and
husband, Mike; and her beloved nine grandchildren, Madeline Dase, Aaron
Dase, Hannah Gillen (husband, Bailey), Karla Cook, Monica Cook, Evan
Picchioni, Jasper Picchioni, Matthew Tilton and John Tilton.
Marlene graduated from Selma High School in North Carolina in 1956 and
attended East Carolina University where she studied business. Marlene
married Harold Eugene Phillips on June 8, 1958 in Selma, North Carolina
at Selma Baptist Church, surrounded by family and friends.
Military life began when Harold and Marlene moved to Fort Benning, GA, in
February 1959 and he entered the Army. Marlene loved being an Army
Wife and enjoyed being stationed twice overseas in Germany during his 25
years of service. While residing in Germany, they traveled to many different
countries as a family, making lasting memories. Marlene was also a
member of the Officer's Wives Organization, and attended many military
balls and special events through the years with her husband.
Marlene's life was centered on faith, family, and friends. Her deep faith in
her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was evident to all by how she lived and
loved. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt and Nana. She
was happiest when she had all her family together and could cook great
meals for everyone. She treasured her nine grandchildren and was looking
forward to becoming a great-grandmother, with her first great grandbaby on
the way. She cherished her family and prayed diligently for each loved one.
Marlene was always active in her church and participated in choral groups,
church choir, and bible studies. Music was a great love in her life that she
passed on to her children through singing and piano playing. She also was
an avid reader throughout her life and at all times had a stack of books she
was currently reading.
Marlene was a dedicated and valued employee with the Briggs Fordyce
Organization in Victoria, Texas for 20 years. She was a sweet lady with

southern charm, showing great love and genuine friendship to many
neighbors and friends. Marlene and Harold were one of ten couples who
church-planted Parkway Baptist Church in Victoria, Texas in 1990. They
have been blessed to see the church grow and flourish, spreading the
gospel and sharing Christ's love with all. Marlene's heart for Jesus was
evident in the way she loved and lived.
The visitation will be held on Monday, July 31, 2023, from 2-3 PM at
Rosewood Funeral Chapel with a Celebration of Life immediately following
at 3 PM.
A graveside service will be Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 2:15 PM at Fort
Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com