Eleanor Brooks “Brookie” Phillips, of Winchester, Virginia, died Sunday, May 29, 2016, at Winchester Medical Center.

Mrs. Phillips was born in November 14, 1926, in Hagerstown, Maryland, the daughter of the late Eleanor L. and Sylvester J. Gower. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Winchester serving as Sunday School Teacher, chairing flower and special events and was a member of the Worship Committee – Ushering and Greeter, with her husband. Mrs. Phillips moved from Hagerstown, Maryland to Winchester, Virginia, in May of 1956. Brookie’s volunteer activities are numerous and date back many years. She was a volunteer with Winchester Medical Center helping in the Gift Shop, pediatrics, golf tournaments, the Follies and many other fundraisers. Mrs. Phillips gave her time to the American Red Cross, Northwestern Workshop (now NW Works), Meals on Wheels, the Regional Adult Detention Center where she tutored Chinese immigrants in reading and writing English for 3 ½ years. She was a former Chairperson for the opening of Hexagon House, a Coronation Director and Committee Chairperson with the Apple Blossom Festival. Brookie was a Founder and Charter member of the Glen Burnie Garden Club as well as the Director for Special Events at Belle Grove Plantation. She extended her service to the neediest children at the Winchester Day Nursery and the Free Medical Clinic. As recognition for her outstanding volunteer services to the Winchester/Frederick County areas children and adults, she was awarded the Golden Book Deeds Award from the Exchange Club in 2008.

Brookie belonged to several Bridge groups and substituted in other groups. She and her husband, Jack, enjoyed playing Bridge with other couples on the weekends.

She married Jack M. Phillips on August 1, 1947.

Surviving with her husband of 69 years are two sons, Jack M. Phillips, Jr of Charlotte, North Carolina, Dwight M. Phillips and wife, Marilyn of Westminster, Maryland; and surrogate granddaughter, Haley Marie Liu of Gandeeville, West Virginia.

Her brother, Sylvester Jay Gower, Jr and sister-in-law, Peggy Lou De-Launey Gower preceded her in death.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday at First Presbyterian Church of Winchester, a reception and lunch in the church hall will immediately follow the service, with Reverend Dr. Dan McCoig officiating. Private interment will be in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hagerstown, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Brookie may be sent to Winchester Preschool and Day Care Center, 133 Lincoln Street, Winchester, Virginia, 22601 or The Flower Fund of the First Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Loudoun Street, Winchester, Virginia, 22601.