Phyllis Johnson Taber passed away peacefully July 22, 2017 with her husband of 71 years Philip Taber by her side.
Phyllis was born March 13, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of Grace McNaughton Black Johnson and Albert Roy Johnson. She attended Stephens College in Missouri and the University of Arizona where she majored in Journalism and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Phyllis was an active member of the community. She served on the Saint Barnabas Alter Guild for 25 years. She was a member of the Valley Field and Riding Club, Barrow Women’s Board, the Board of Visitors, Columbine Garden Club, Junior League of Phoenix and Paradise Valley Country Club.
She is survived by her husband Philip Taber and children Nancy Pilkington of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ann Preston of Flagstaff, Arizona Molly Graham of Atlanta Georgia, John Taber of Tucson, Arizona and 9 grandchildren. Her son Philip Taber III pre-deceased her in 1979.
Travel was her passion and she visited over 100 countries during her lifetime. She loved big band music, dancing, art and laughter. Phyllis lived her life by example and was an inspiration to others. Her greatest joy was raising her children.
The family would like to sincerely thank Hettie Roberts and Jolanta Latusek for the beautiful care and commitment they made to our Mother.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, July 31, 2017 at St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church, 6715 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley, Arizona.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to
Barrow Neurological Foundation
Barrow Concussion and Brain Injury Center
350 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
or
The Board of Visitors
6245 N. 24th Parkway – Suite 110
Phoenix, Arizona 85016
or
St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church
6715 N. Mockingbird Lane
Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253
Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Kathy Heitel Bamberl
Words will never express the loss of dear Phyllis. How truly lucky we all were to be able to share her life. She was one of a kind; a beautiful woman; and a kind, generous, friend, etc!!! person we were blessed to know. My parents, Leslie & Dorothy Heitel, considered your parents great friends. I am so sad for your loss but so privileged to have known your Phyllis.
Rhonda Peoples
We are so sorry for your loss. We truly take for granted the time we have on this earth, knowing you were in her presence and filled with her knowledge and love for her family will comfort you all the days of your life here in earth until you join her in heaven!!!! She will always be watching over and protecting you from above❤️
Lovingly
The Peoples Family
Ghazzali wadood
Dear Philip, Molly and rest of the family.
It is with the great sorrow I learned about the passing of Mrs Taber. I send this message of my deepest sympathies & condolences on the passing of Phyllis .
I am Ghazzali wadood, from Sri Lanka met both Phillip and Phyllis 31 years ago in Colombo.
During the many years I used to be in touch with both Phillis and Philip and I have not reach out to them for the past year or so. I loved to say hello to Mr. Taber and Molly.
Warm regards
Ghazzali
917 520 1452.