Margot Dillon

Margot Phelps Dillon, of Plano, a beloved mother, grandmother and friend to so many, passed away peacefully early in the morning of May 22, 2023, with her children at her side after being recently diagnosed with advanced lung disease.

Margot was born in Saginaw, Michigan on November 16, 1941, to her parents John Coventry Phelps and Katherine Finkbeiner Phelps.  She was raised in Saginaw, attending Arthur Hills High School until she ventured less than an hour down the road to Alma College, where she graduated in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in English.

It was at Alma where her love of the arts and music began to shine, becoming involved in many activities including Alma College Choir, Alma Singers, Kiltie Lassies dance club, in addition to being a member of Kappa Iota sorority, all while working her way through school in various roles including Resident Assistant.

Upon graduation she married her then-husband, began teaching school in Southfield, Michigan and shortly thereafter started a family (daughter Sarah and son John), eventually moving to Lathrup Village, Michigan and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan as she focused on raising her children. Margot was an amazing and selflessly involved mother to her children, including countless volunteer hours as room mom, with the elementary school publishing center, and leading groups for both of her kid’s activities of Brownies and Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, soccer, and much more.

In 1979, Margot and family relocated to the Dallas area, again selflessly working while continuing to raise her children through their high school years.  In 1991, as her children both had transitioned to college, she moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to help care for her mother, and then moved back to Texas to be with her children and growing number of grandchildren upon her mother’s passing in 2002.   During this time, she held positions as an escrow officer for title companies in Michigan and Texas.

As incredible of a mother that she was, her role of “Granna” to her six grandchildren brought her the deepest of joys, and she was by all accounts amazing at the role. In addition to spending quality time with her children and grandchildren, she enjoyed many activities including singing, crafting, thrifting, volunteering (including countless hours at Sarah’s non-profit, This Side Up Family), and creating beautiful and unique jewelry that she has blessed so many friends and family with over the years. She also passionately loved her church, Christ United Methodist of Plano, where she was very involved since joining in 2007, including the CUMC Choir, Women’s Bible Study, Footloose Sunday School Class and volunteer roles including greeter, funeral home ministry, bell choir, co-chair of the Dooley Christmas Store and Footloose class mission’s leader.

Margot had an incredible sweetness to her and continually lit up rooms that she entered with her calm and confident grace, her curiosity, her sharp and witty sense of humor and her contagious, genuine smile.  While we will miss her dearly, her impact and legacy will carry on to her friends and family.

She is survived by her sister, Cynthia Dexter, two children Sarah (Richie) and John (Elisha) and her six grandchildren; Patrick Morris, Emily Lamberson (Andrew), Katherine Morris, Megan Dillon, Lauren Dillon and Natalie Morris.

Margot had a strong faith that guided her daily, and her family rests well knowing she is with our Father in heaven.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Road, Plano, Texas at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

As she planned her service, Margot made it a special point to encourage the wearing of colors to the service to help celebrate the brightness of life on Earth and eternity in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, Margot requested donations be made to the Christ United Methodist Church Music Ministry (https://cumc.com/GIVE/) or a charity of your choice.