Marjorie Pierce Phillips was born on December 7 to the union of Cornelius W. Pierce and Myrtle E. Douglas Pierce in Chicago, IL. She was a bright happy child who attended Doolittle grammar school and Hyde Park High School, where she demonstrated her artistic ability and musical talent. Under her gifted father’s guidance, she played the violin in the Hyde Park Orchestra and attended The Art Institute (from where her father Cornelius graduated). Afterwards she went to Crane Junior College to begin her formal training as a teacher. During this time she met a wonderful gentleman named Charles Edward Phillips and they fell in love and were married in January, 1928. To this union three children were born: Shirley, Beverly and Charles. Marjorie finished her education at Chicago Teachers College where she received her Bachelors of Education Degree. Marjorie served her community as a Social Worker for awhile during the Depression, and began teaching shortly thereafter. Marjorie and Charles bought a home and raised their children, traveled and enjoyed many years together until his untimely death in 1967. Marjorie continued teaching, after retiring from the Board of Education after 40 years at St. Edmonds School, and when she left there she had a career total of over 50 years of educating Chicago’s children, many of whom have since gone on to become great and productive members of the community. She was a longtime member of Crerar Memorial Church, and “Marge”, as she was affectionately known to her friends and associates belonged to many social groups and organizations and stayed very active and influential in them until failing health would not permit her to continue. She enjoyed her family and friends who came to visit her, and when she departed this life on Sunday, May 12, 2002, this great lady had lived an exceptional and wonderful life. She leaves to mourn her passing: her three children, daughter Shirley P. Marshall, daughter Beverly D. Cook, and son Charles W. Phillips; son-in-law Thomas Marshall; six grandchildren: Thomas I. Marshall, Christopher Marhsall, Vincent Marshall, Shirley Diane Marshall, Philip Marhsall, Angela Marshall, Walter Derrick Pegues, and Michael Pegues (deceased); nine great-grandchildren; a host of great-greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or Kidney Foundation of Illinois. “We loved you Mom, but God loved you best, so go on now and take your rest. As you have left to go into the setting sun, thank you, Mother Dear, for a job well done! – The Family”
