Phillips

Joyce Clarice Simmons Phillips, 89, went to be with our Lord and Savior on May 26, 2021, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan after a brief illness.

She and her twin sister, Joy, were born on April 21, 1932, in Tipton, Oklahoma. They grew up in Orange, where they graduated from Lutcher Stark High School.

She married after high school to George W. Barry and had two girls, Belinda and Paula Barry.

George died several years later after being treated in an iron lung for polio.

Later she met and married Robert Phillips Sr. and they resided in Tanglewood for 57 years.

Six years ago, she met Bill McMullen, they have been the light in each other’s eyes and hearts ever since.

Joyce had many talents and she could sell anything. She was great at cooking and her special culinary creations delighted everyone, especially her church friends. She was also a good seamstress, gardener and she had an eye for valuable antiques that was incredible.

She was preceded in death by her parents, V.D. and Fay Ola (Richards) Simmons; paternal aunt, Ruby L. Simmons; her husbands, George W. Barry and Bobby Phillips Sr.; a son, Bobby Phillips Jr. in 1992; a sister, Emily Decker; and two brothers, Billy Simmons and Tommy Simmons.

Joyce is survived by her mate, Bill McMullen of Lexington; two daughters, Belinda Harris of Houston and Paula Barry of Slidell, LA; a grandson, Barry Byrom of Kyle; two great-grandsons, Houston Murphy and Hunter Byrom of Kyle; two sisters, Joy McNamara of Cypress and Carole Rankin of Euless; a brother, Verlie Simmons Jr. of Pearl River, LA; and many nieces and nephews. Viewing was from 5 to 7

Viewing was from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 31, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale.

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, at the New Tanglewood Baptist Church in Tanglewood with a visitation at 10 a.m.

The family would like to thank the Hospice Team at Traditional Healthcare, especially Tara; and the medical team at St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan, the nursing care she received was excellent in every way.

Joyce was devoted to rebuilding the church and her church family worked very hard in getting the church ready for her service.

Donations may be made to Tanglewood Baptist Church, 11203 US 77 North, Lexington, TX 78947 or at tanglewoodbaptist.church or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, P.O. Drawer 1417, Rockdale, TX 76567, 512-446-5454.