Sharon Willibey Phillips, 79, passed away in the early morning of Sunday November 19th, 2023 surrounded by her family after her courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. The family would like to express their gratitude to extended family, friends, and the medical team who supported and cheered Sharon on during her battle.
She was born on January 6, 1944 in Sapulpa, OK to Helen Carmichael and Herbert Willibey and was the oldest of their two children. Sharon had a larger-than-life personality which led her to Oklahoma State University where she met her husband, Roy. From there, Roy enlisted in the US Army, which led the duo on a worldwide adventure from living in Germany, traveling across all of Europe, over to Southeast Asia, and living throughout the US. After retirement from the Army, Roy and Sharon settled in Decatur, IL where the adventures only continued. The duo built up several successful businesses over the years and were involved within the Decatur community. Sharon was an active member in the Decatur PEO group, worked with Meals on Wheels, and was known for her innate ability to sell anything to anyone, specifically prom dresses at Y.S. Lee downtown. Sharon and Roy had a thirst for knowledge and exploration which was fueled by their love of travel. They took great adventures all around the world including New Zealand, Australia, Russia, Europe, Asia, Canada, the Caribbean, Tahiti, and many more. However, their favorite places to travel were Dallas and Westport, where their two kids, their spouses, and grandkids resided. There was no role Sharon and Roy loved more than being Gammie and Grandfather. Nothing made them prouder than being at a graduation, tennis/golf/hockey tournament, watching a play or dance recital, or simply talking over a quart of Dairy Queen soft serve.
Sharon was proceeded in death by her husband, Roy S. Phillips, parents Helen Carmichael and Herbert Willibey, and brother Michael Willibey. She is survived by her son, Warren Shelley Phillips and wife Julie M. Phillips of Dallas, TX, daughter Amanda Phillips Dalzell and husband Christian S. Dalzell of Westport, CT, and grandchildren Lindsey and Chase Phillips, Lulu, Holden, Sawyer, and Coco Dalzell.
Sharon’s visitation will be held on Saturday, December 16th, 2023 at 10am with the service beginning at 11am at Central Christian Church (650 W. Williams St. Decatur, IL 62522). The family will be hosting a celebration of life afterward from 1-3pm at the TapRoot (170 N. Merchant St. Decatur, IL 62523). In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Sharon’s name to support the Whittingham Cancer Center and the pancreatic cancer research efforts of Dr. Richard Frank. Donations can be made at: https://rb.gy/t6s38m
In the wise words of Sharon, buck up, grab your best fur and pearls, and go on a trip.
