Obituary of Violet "Billie" Phillips
California native Violet “Billie” Phillips, 94, passed away Jan. 31. 2022, in Summerville, SC.
She was born Violet Marie Hicks on Jan. 17, 1928, in Wasco, CA, to William and Anna (Godfrey) Hicks. She met the love of her life, Edward, while he was passing through California on his way to Japan to serve in WWII. Upon his return, they were married on July 11, 1946, in Las Vegas, NV in a small Methodist Chapel. They then traveled across the country to make their home in Coeymans Hollow, NY. Billie was employed for 20 years by the NY State Dept. of Transportation. Upon retirement, Edward and Billie set off on an adventure to travel the United States, Mexico, and Canada in an RV, lasting for over 15 years. When their camping adventure ended, they settled in Summerville, SC.
Billie was a member of numerous camping groups including The Dusty Travelers, 007 Canada, The Helderberg Hilltoppers and the Yankee Doodles. In addition to her love of travel, Billie enjoyed many crafts, including sewing, quilting, and painting. She was an avid reader and enjoyed planting her beautiful flower gardens every Spring. She was also a member of the Circle 8 Square Dance Club and the Coeymans Hollow Methodist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She was a Sunday School teacher and volunteered on numerous committees.
Billie is predeceased by her parents, son William F. Phillips, son-in-law William Ertel and her sister Verna Harris of California.
Billie is survived by her husband Edward, of Summerville, SC; daughters Dorothy Ertel of Coeymans Hollow, NY and Julia (Paul) Alix of Summerville, SC. She was a loving, doting Grammy to 7 Grandchildren: Donna (Jerry) Wickham, John (Michelle) Alix, Tracy (Jim) Clark, Tom Alix, Carrie Ertel, William Phillips and Sara Smith. She was also a loving Big Gramma to 11 Great-Grandchildren.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful care, and love, shown by Terra Bella Senior Living and Crescent Hospice, both of Summerville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of Violet “Billie” Phillips to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity/organization of your choice.
