Susanna Jones Phillips

Susanna Jones Phillips, born on July 3, 1947, in Clinton, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at her home in Plano, Texas, on January 18, 2025, at the age of 77. After a courageous ten-month battle with cancer, she spent her final hours surrounded by the love of her devoted husband, Mike, and her cherished dog, Bella.

Susanna leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through her family. She is survived by her husband of over 55 years, Michael Phillips; her son Greg Phillips and his wife Monica; her daughter Rebecca Tyler and her husband Gavin; and two beloved grandsons who brought immense joy to her life—Max Phillips and Oliver Tyler. She is also survived by her mother, Sara Jones, who remarkably celebrates a century of life at 100 years old; and her brother Sam Jones and his wife Susan. Susanna was preceded in death by her daughter Elizabeth Caroline Phillips (2013), as well as by her father Jerry Jones and sisters Rebecca Jones and Caroline Finley. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she has reunited with those she dearly loved who went before her.

Susanna’s early years were shaped by the warmth of family and the charm of small-town life in Fulton, Kentucky. She held fond memories of time spent specifically with her grandparents. Her family later moved to Corpus Christi and then Houston, Texas—transitions that marked new chapters in a life defined by resilience and curiosity.

A woman of remarkable intellect and a thirst for knowledge, Susanna pursued higher education with passion. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in German and Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin before going on to obtain master’s degrees in psychology and Primary Education.  Ever eager to deepen her understanding of the world around her, she also pursued a PhD in European History at the University of North Texas—a journey made even more special as she shared it alongside her daughters who were also students there at the same time.

Books were Susanna’s constant companions throughout life; history was both a fascination and a calling. Her love for travel took these passions beyond pages into vivid reality as she explored destinations across the globe. From Spain to England, France to Morocco, Curacao to Costa Rica and Mexico —and even twice to Australia where she visited Becky—Susanna embraced each journey as an opportunity to learn more about different cultures while creating lasting memories with those she loved most. Family ski trips became treasured traditions under Susanna’s thoughtful planning—moments filled with laughter that will forever remain etched in their hearts.

Her greatest joy was the love she felt as a mother to her three cherished children, Greg, Becky, and Beth. They filled her heart with immense happiness and special memories.

A funeral service honoring Susanna’s extraordinary life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options. If you wish to join the service via webcast, please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/108963

Though Susanna’s physical presence may no longer grace this world, the beauty of her spirit endures—in every book read with wonderment or trip taken with open arms; in every act of kindness inspired by hers; but most profoundly within the hearts of those privileged enough to have known and loved her.

May we carry forward the light she brought into our lives as we honor the memory of an extraordinary woman whose impact will never fade.