Bonham, Texas -- Mary Joyce Phillips, 83, of Bonham, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 30, 2025. Born on September 20, 1941, in Murray, Kentucky, the daughter of Pat and Mary Ross. Joyce was a cherished resident of Bonham who touched the lives of many with her kind spirit and gentle nature.
Joyce married Paul Phillips on July 15, 1982 in Rockwall, Texas, together they made a life full of lasting memories, traveling the world together. She retired from the Texas Department of Transportation, where she was known for her diligence and dedication. Joyce embraced the joys of life, finding fulfillment in gardening, traveling, and shopping, always finding a new outfit, or treasure of some kind. Her happiest days were spent with her children and grandchildren.
As a devoted member of Boyd Baptist Church, Joyce engaged with her community and made lasting connections. Above all, she was a beloved wife, devoted mother, and cherished MaMaw. Joyce treasured every moment spent with her family, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter. She also adored her beloved puppy dogs- Ziggy, Pooh, LuLu, and Stormy-who brought her immense joy.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, sister Patty Jane Ross, and grandson Nicholas Capehart.
She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Paul Phillips, children, Dawn Marie Sorrells, John Ross Kemp, Jeffrey Russell Kemp, Patti Anne Jones, Donald Scott Harding, Phil Patrick Harding, Lisa Star Harding Calhoun, Lisa Michelle Messick, Paul Chadwick Phillips, 21 grandchildren, and 23 great- grandchildren. Her sharp wit and sense of humor will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who remember her as a lady loved by all.
Visitation will be held at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Bonham on June 1, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Boyd Baptist Church on June 2, 2025, beginning at 2:00 p.m.; a visitation will also take place an hour prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. Joyce will be laid to rest at Willow Wild Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Eric Calhoun, Michael Kemp, Chad Phillips, Phil Harding, Sid Cintron and Bobby Ross.
You may sign the online guest book at www.coopersorrells.com
