Ronetta "Joyce" Phillips

September 26, 1947 - January 30, 2021

To know Ronetta “Joyce” Phillips was to know love, joy and optimism. She exuded these qualities that naturally flowed to everyone around. Her first priority was her Savior, Jesus Christ and she loved her family dearly. Until her husband, Jim’s passing in 2018, they were virtually inseparable. Joyce was born in Briartown, OK on September 26, 1947 to W.T. and Cleta Mae (Bender) Dearman. She was the oldest of seven, having four sisters and two brothers: Billie Sue Steele, W. Tom Dearman, M. Tim Dearman, Gayle Ann Dearman, Gina L. Eslick and Karen K. Scanlan. She attended Briartown and Porum schools. Graduating from Porum High School in 1965, she played basketball on the varsity team all four years. Her love of basketball and competitive spirit never ceased and was abundantly evident while watching her grandkids play sports. She attended Connors Junior College for one year before marrying her high school and life-long sweetheart, Jimmy Dale Phillips on July 29, 1966. They were married 51 years when Jim passed in 2018. It could be argued that even Jim’s passing did not separate them. Regardless, Joyce pursued LIFE and refused to allow fear or sorrow to hold her back from her true nature; and if the pursuit of life caused her passing, it would unite her with Jesus and her dear husband all the sooner. This world was not her home. While her girls were young she was blessed to stay home with them but later worked outside the home for Schmoldt Engineering, Stumpff Funeral Home, Forest Creek Condominiums, and Green Country Village. She got her real estate license in 1986 and worked under George Johnson Realty until she got her Broker’s license in 1989. Joyce then started her own company, The Property Exchange, where she worked until her death. With her professional life and church interactions, she touched many lives. While her church life, family life and professional life were seamless, her attitude was consistent regardless of the circumstances. Her ethics and faith transcended all aspects of her life. This example will be remembered and dearly missed by the many who knew and loved her. If it is true that our selfless and generous actions on earth create treasures in heaven, Joyce has an absolute treasure hoard and we rejoice with her! Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Janet (Brett) Bilyeu of Tulsa and Cheryl (Kenny) Green of Bartlesville. Her four grandchildren: Bryne, Kayla, and Macey Bilyeu of Tulsa and Rylan Green of Bartlesville. Three siblings: Billie Sue (Cliff) Steele of Checotah, Tim (Janis) Dearman of Briartown and Gina (Mark) Eslick of Bristow. Her Mother-in-Law Louise Phillips of Bartlesville and Sister-in-Law Debbie Dearman of Broken Arrow. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews and her late husband’s sister, Karen Sue (Jim) Coleman of North Richland Hills, TX. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Dale Phillips, her parents, W.T. and Cleta Mae Dearman along with siblings Gayle Ann Dearman, W. Tom Dearman and Karen K. Scanlan. The Phillips family will receive guests at the Stumpff Funeral Home from 6 PM until 8 PM on Thursday, February 4, 2021. A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. on Friday, February 5, 20201 at the Adams Blvd Church of Christ with Mr. David Hammonds officiating and directed by the Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Journey Home, 900 N.E. Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, Oklahoma, 74006