Mrs. Marjory Marie Phillips, 98 years, 2 months and 21 days, departed this life at 3:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at her residence.

On Sept. 7, 1917, Marjory was born west of Rochester in the Burton neighborhood. She was a cherished daughter of John and Lillie Alley Braman. Growing up as the second youngest, Marjory shared her childhood with two brothers Bud and Cal and two sisters Fern and Bernice. With great Zebra pride she graduated from Rochester High School in 1935. As one of the oldest living Zebras, Marjory was the last living member of her class. She was a lifetime resident of Marshall and Fulton County. During World War II, Marjory served as clerk for the Fulton County Selective Service Office from 1940 – 1947.

Bourbon residents, Marjory and Carl Phillips were married in the First Baptist Church of Rochester on Oct. 16, 1955. They enjoyed more than 25 years of life’s adventures. Following Carl’s passing on Jan. 30, 1981, Marjory returned to live in Rochester.

A devoted member of the 1st Baptist Church for many years she also belonged to the M and M group. Marjory was a 69 year member of the Rochester #70 Order of Eastern Star since 1946, serving as Past Matron. She held life memberships with the Friends of the Library and the Fulton County Historical Society.

The revered financial secretary of the Rochester Community Schools for 39 years, Mrs. Phillips served with seven different superintendents from 1947 – 1985. Volunteerism is her forte’ as a dedicated sports enthusiast, greeting all fans with a warm smile, Marjory sold tickets for more than six decades at the Zebras football and basketball games retiring at age 94. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Woodlawn Hospital gift shop for many years.

At home Marjory was an avid I.U. and Purdue basketball fan. She enjoyed all college basketball in general. Getting together with her lady friends, dining out, then completing the day with some spirited games of spite and malice or euchre was a great way to relax. Marjory enjoyed many bus trips across America to various destinations or travel in Europe lodging in the elder-hostel to meet her German pen pal Erna.

Paramount in her life were her nieces and nephews that she loved and cherished dearly. Aunt Midge, as she was known, treated them all as her own. She was always there for them as they matured to adulthood. Over the years she took them on many vacations, making many memories. Her favorite destination was Santa Claus Land in southern Indiana.

Left to cherish Marjory’s memory are her treasured nieces and nephew: Judy (Russell) Taylor, Plymouth; Patty (Cam) Rathbun, Akron; Shirley Gates, North Port, Fla.; Dr. William (Georgina) Braman, St. Augustine, Fla.; Philip (Monica) Braman, Warsaw; John Braman, Hamden, Ct.; Arlen Hammond, Granger; numerous great-nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law: Evelyn Braman, Rochester. Preceding Marjory in death are her parents; husband; two sisters: Bernice Kolerich; Fern Hammond; two brothers: Emerson “Bud” Braman; Calvin Braman; a niece: Sherri Adamson; and two nephews; Larry Parkhurt and Norman Parkhurst.

A celebration of the life of Marjory Phillips will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, in the Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester with Dr. Mark Spencer officiating. The Eastern Star Lodge will honor Marjory with a memorial service at 6:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. She will be laid to eternal rest next to her beloved husband Carl in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Rochester, or the Phillips-Braman Scholarship through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, Rochester.