About This Memory Space
This page was created for Mary E. Jamila Phillips's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Mary E. Jamila Phillips's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Mary E. Jamila Phillips. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Mary 'Jamila' Elizabeth Phillips embodied a radiant spirit of warmth, elegance, and unyielding grace, leaving an indelible mark on every soul fortunate enough to cross her path. Her life was a vibrant tapestry of global adventures, devoted relationships, and quiet strength that inspired all who knew her.
From her roots in Indianapolis, Indiana, Jamila emerged as a beacon of joy and poise, graduating from Crispus Attucks High School with dreams that soared far beyond the horizon. Her early days modeling for JCPenney and L.S. Ayres showcased her natural charisma, but it was the skies that truly captured her heart. At 18, she embarked on a transformative path in aviation, spanning 49 years and countless destinations, where her confidence and care turned routine flights into memorable journeys. Relocating across Chicago, Minneapolis, and Derry, New Hampshire, she infused each chapter with laughter, wisdom, and an infectious zest for exploration, always guiding others with her signature blend of humor and gentle authority.
Jamila's 49-year aviation odyssey began at Eastern Airlines, evolved through Northwest Airlines, and culminated at Delta, where she advanced to Purser. Jetting to South America, Mexico, India, Europe, and U.S. cities, she mastered the art of seamless travel, sharing insider tips on dining and discoveries while ensuring passengers felt secure and cherished under her watchful eye.
Photos of Jamila's Life
Family & Loved Ones
Jamila's world revolved around the unbreakable ties she nurtured with unwavering tenderness and wit. Married to George Anthony Phillips since May 10, 1975, she built a home filled with love for their sons, Jelani (with Tanya) and Paki (with Daryl), and doted endlessly on grandchildren Ayana, Jelani Jr., Zyrie, and Kyrie. Her surviving brother Donald Edwards Sr. (with Helen) and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends formed an extended tapestry of kinship, all enriched by her nurturing ear, playful side-eye, and ability to uplift without fanfare. Preceded by her parents Benjamin J. and Laura Bell Haley Edwards, and siblings James Sr., Reginald Sr., Rufus Sr., Wayne Edwards, Alice Young, JoAnn Porter, and Estell Marcia Edwards McAllister, she now shares eternal stories with them above.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Echoes from those touched by Jamila's presence weave a vivid portrait of her enduring charm, with shared recollections centering on her infectious laughter, worldly wisdom, and the effortless way she made everyone feel like family.
For those looking for service information