It Was a Full and Wonderful Life
This photo was taken less than two weeks ago, on my mother’s 96th birthday. On Monday afternoon, July 27th, she suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. I am so grateful that my oldest brother and his wife were with her, when it happened.
She still lived in the house that I grew up in, and she still drove. She was very independent and was the kindest person I have ever known. I live only two hours away, the closest distance between me and my two brothers; who live in North Carolina and Virginia. I called to check in with her every day, just to make sure she was OK. My biggest fear for the past several years was that something would happen to her right after one of those calls, and I wouldn’t even know anything was wrong for another twenty-four hours. As it worked out, my brother was with her. She spent her last night in her own bed. There’s a lot to be said for that.
She was born in 1924, when Calvin Coolidge was President. Lora Corum and Joe Boyer had just become the first co-winners of the Indianapolis 500. She lived through the Crash of ‘29, the Great Depression and World War II. She had a Facebook page and always proofread every single post on this site, and e-mailed me the corrections needed to be made by 8:00 am. In the eleven-plus years of this site, today’s post will be the first post that she never saw.
While we are all extremely sad to lose her, she had an extraordinary life. She and my father traveled far and wide. She also attended the Indianapolis 500 four times, but after the 1969 race, she decided she had had enough. She loved her family, which included three boys, many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Please join me in celebrating the life of a wonderful mother; Eloise McCallen Phillips. It was a life well-lived.
George Phillips
Please Note: For obvious reasons, I will be taking some time off from here. But check back either Friday or Monday. A very special surprise guest-blogger offered to supply a post in my absence. I decided to take him up on it. Who knows? Another may pop in, as well. I plan to return here on Friday August 7th, just before the newly announced double-header at Mid-Ohio. – GP
Oilpressure 
July 29, 2020 at 5:37 am
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. , George. Sorry i didn’t get a chance to meet her.
July 29, 2020 at 5:59 am
Sorry for your loss George.
July 29, 2020 at 7:10 am
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon her. May the soul of Mrs. Phillips and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
July 29, 2020 at 7:21 am
Very sorry for your loss. May we all be so fortunate to see our 96th birthdays.
July 29, 2020 at 8:00 am
George, my condolences to you and your family for your loss.
July 29, 2020 at 11:21 am
So sorry for your loss, George. Mothers are special, and your post makes it clear that you know that and will continue to hold her dear.
July 29, 2020 at 11:51 am
So sorry George, tough ties don’t last, tough people do. I know you are going through a lot of things right now but you are a tough person who will prevail, better days ahead. Your mom is still proofreading for you, she will have a full report when you get up there, I promise.
July 29, 2020 at 12:44 pm
George – I am so very sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. I so admired how independent she was, which you described in your many postings. You are very lucky to have had her in your life and I know she will be missed by all. I send my sincerest condolences to you, Susan, and your entire extended family.
July 29, 2020 at 1:09 pm
I’m very sorry to hear this, George. Prayers for you and your family during this time.
July 29, 2020 at 2:09 pm
My condolences George, to you and your family. Sounds like your mother enjoyed a blessed, full life. Continued positive thoughts to Mrs. Oilpressure as well!
July 29, 2020 at 8:31 pm
A fantastic tribute, George. My sincerest condolences to you, Susan and all of your family.
July 30, 2020 at 5:13 am
So very sorry George, I know she meant a lot to you.
July 30, 2020 at 6:15 am
Condolences to you George. Needless to say 2020 has been a trying year. 🙏
July 30, 2020 at 6:51 am
Sorry for your loss. She seemed like a special woman.
July 30, 2020 at 2:29 pm
Sending you my condolences.
July 31, 2020 at 11:49 am
Sorry for you loss. I’ve enjoyed you talking about her over the years. She had a very blessed life.
August 1, 2020 at 10:16 am
Really sorry for your loss George. From what you have described of her over the years you are one lucky son.