Esther Jean Phillips, fondly know by family and friends as “Cherry”, died peacefully at the McKnight Extended Care Unit on Tuesday, November 27, 2007. Phillips is survived by her children, Kate Phillips of St. Louis, Missouri, Edward Dale Phillips of Macon, North Carolina and three grandchildren; Cassie, Michael and Rachel. Cherry also leaves behind three brothers, Malcolm Parker Jr. and David Parker both of Memphis, Tennessee and a younger brother, James Parker of Ajicic, Mexico

Cherry, in spite of a hearing impairment, graduated simultaneously from high school and Dichaso School of Music in Memphis, Tennessee. She was offered and accepted a scholarship to attend Wellesley College where she graduated with a degree in Biblical History. Cherry married William Dale Phillips in 1950. Bill and Cherry lived a full and rich life residing in Boston, MA., Wilmington, DE., High Wycombe, England, and in later years St. Louis, MO. and Washington D.C.

Cherry was an active member of the Wellesley Alumni Club, participating in the St. Louis Wellesley Alumni Association Book Club and a needlework group. Everyone who knew Cherry will recall with great fondness her incredible gourmet cooking, extensive knowledge of plants and gardening. While in St. Louis, Cherry enjoyed walking the Missouri Botanical Garden daily. She acted as a docent and tour guide over the years as well.

Following her husband’s death Cherry retired to The Gatesworth.