Oct. 28, 1930 – Sept. 14, 2008. Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Kathryn Elizabeth (Willis) Phillips, died peacefully and touched the face of God on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, at Destin Health and Rehabilitation Center. Our family was so lucky and honored to have had her in our lives for as long as we did. Kitty was born to Sam and Mary Willis in Greenville, S.C. She married Tech. Sgt. William C. Phillips, who preceded her in death in January 1996. During her marriage she traveled extensively with her husband to all parts of the world. In 1965, the military service brought her and her husband here to Eglin Air Force Base, where he retired. They decided to make Fort Walton Beach, Fla., their home. Kathryn, also lovingly known as "Kitty," was a very intelligent woman. She was a registered nurse for over 40 years and retired from nursing at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, where she had been employed for over 25 years. She loved being a nurse and caring for the ones who could not care for themselves. She loved everyone she came in contact with and was never an enemy to anyone. She gave her life to her family and her job. Survivors include her two children, William Michael Phillips of Bonifay, Fla., and Sondra Phillips Sweet of Niceville, Fla.; three grandchildren, Nola Lee Lyda Smith and her husband Scott Keith Smith of Fort Walton Beach, Stacey Rebecca Lyda Whitlock and her husband Timothy Whitlock of Easley, S.C.; and grandson, Shawn Michael Phillips of Crestview, Fla. Kathryn also has four great-grandchildren, Alexis Smith, Kirsten Smith, Cairlynn Smith and Riley Whitlock. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 12:30 p.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla. Condolences may be expressed at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com. "I'm getting my house in order Just in case I have to leave, But please make me a promise- That you won't be sad and grieve. I lived a full enriched life, And I'm on good terms with the Lord Though I don't deserve or expect Any heavenly crown or reward. In the past – where one dream failed, Two better ones came true; So you see I don't feel morbid, Low, depressed or blue. Heaven is where I long to be, For God and Mother will be with me; So, when I go, don't weep – but smile, For it will all have been worthwhile." Author – Peg Penry