MARGARET PHILLIPS (Age 77) Margaret Sapp Phillips, a long-time resident of the Montebello in Alexandria, died peacefully on May 20, 2011, at her son's home after a brief recurrence of breast cancer, surrounded by her loving family and lifted up by the prayers of many friends. Margaret was the devoted wife of Col. Charles D. (Dave) Phillips (Ret.) for 44 years until his death in 2000. She was born June 20, 1933, the third child of Rollin and Lula Sapp, in the small south central Kentucky town of Columbia. She graduated from the Norton School of Nursing in Louisville and practiced nursing until her marriage to Dave. For the next 25 years, Margaret was a committed Army wife as she and Dave moved from assignment to assignment, including Dave's two year-long tours in Vietnam. Margaret was a loved and respected member of the Army community, raising her children, supporting her husband, constantly volunteering, and graciously encouraging the younger officers' wives. Following Dave's retirement, he and Margaret relocated to Charlotte, NC, and then to the Montebello where Margaret was involved in the civic affairs of the community. She also was active in the bridge and garden clubs and extended gracious cheer and support to her neighbors and many friends. In the final years of her husband's battle with multiple sclerosis, Margaret devoted herself to her husband's care, which was a marvel of fidelity and love that inspired her family, friends, and neighbors. In the years following Dave's death, Margaret continued her involvement in Montebello and with the West Point Class of 1951. She also became an increasingly active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alexandria. She volunteered, enjoyed trips with the church group, and was active in Bible studies and her prayer circle. Margaret was a devoted and loving mother to her two sons, James S. Phillips of McLean, VA, and Richard D. Phillips of Greenville, SC. She was a dear friend and support to her daughters-in-law, Francie and Sharon, and a devoted "Grandmom" to her five grandchildren, Hannah, Matthew, Jonathan, Ellie, and Lydia. Margaret also is survived by her sisters, Louise Huddleston, of Bowling Green, KY, and Patti Kaeding, of Ghent, KY; her brothers, James Sapp, of Carrollton, KY, and Douglas Sapp, of Columbia, KY, and her brother-in-law, Col. (Ret.) James H. Phillips, Jr., of Cortez, CO. Margaret's cheerfulness, grace, and steadfast love were an anchor for her family and a joy and blessing to all who knew her. She will be remembered at a memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church and interred with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced. For information about the time and location of these services, please call Westminster at 703-549-4766. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions In Memory of Margaret Phillips, to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2901 Cameron Mills Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302 or Capital Caring Hospice, Philanthropy, 900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, VA 22042. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord...that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!" (Rev. 14:13)

Published in The Washington Post on May 26, 2011