Happy 90th Birthday, Mrs. Gloredia Tipps Phillips!

On Oct. 27, 2024, Mrs. Gloredia Tipps Phillips, one of the proud graduates of Laneville Colored High School’s Class of 1954, was surprised with a 90th birthday celebration at the
home of her son and daughter-in-law, Joe “Chris” and Kasandra Phillips, in Cedar Hill, Texas.
With approximately 80 of her closest family and friends in attendance and many more who were with her in spirit, Gloredia was celebrated by those whom she has made an indelible impact in their lives as a mother, sister, aunt, cousin, grandmother, great aunt, great-grandmother, teacher, mentor, and friend.
Of special note, traveling the furthest distance to join Gloredia all the way from San Diego, California, was her sister, Mrs. Ozzie Tipps Edwards and her two daughters, Nevelyn Beatty and Krista Edwards, as well as fellow classmate of 1954 Laneville Colored High School graduate Mrs. Margie Vanzandt Taylor of Houston, Texas, who celebrated her 90th birthday in May of 2024.
The fellowship, love, and fun shared by all in recounting stories of the past, recalling facts
about Gloredia’s life through a crossword puzzle, and seeing a slideshow of the beauty of a
life built by her and her late husband of fifty-eight years, Mr. Joe Louis Phillips, made the
occasion a memory to be cherished by all for a lifetime, especially Gloredia. And, true to her
ability to speak publicly at the drop of a hat, known especially for her ability to recite the
perfect poem or rhyme for any moment, Gloredia shared the following with her guests, “As
down the road of life you trot, I pray that you’ll forget me not, but if by you I am forgotten, just
keep on down the road a ’trottin’.”
One thing is for certain, Mrs. Gloredia Tipps Phillips is one of a kind and could never be
forgotten. On her behalf, the family of Mrs. Phillips would like to thank all who attended and
sent their love, well wishes, and thoughts her way on this special day.