In Memory
Jean E. (Zimmer) Phillips-High
July 15, 1929 ~ January 21, 2023 93 Years Old
Jean Evelyn Phillips-High, age 93, died on Saturday January 21, 2023 at Provisional Living in Oshtemo, MI. She was born July 15th 1929 in South Bend, Indiana to Harold and Velma (Cochran) Zimmer and was the oldest of three children. Jean graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School in South Bend IN and soon afterwards married Robert John Phillips on May 19, 1948. Together they had two children Don and David Phillips. As her children grew older, she decided to become a school teacher and went back to school to receive her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University South Bend campus and began teaching in 1972. She continued her education and received her master’s degree and graduated with honors. She accepted a teaching position at Community Baptist school where she taught elementary school until she retired following the death of her husband Robert Phillips in 1984. She remarried to Arlo High in 1986 and worked together with him in the family business, High’s Barbeque, until he passed away in 2001.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, brothers Jack Zimmer and Mark Zimmer, stepson Mike High and daughter-in law Sheri Phillips. Surviving are her two sons David Phillips of Costa Rica and Don Phillips of Kalamazoo Michigan, stepdaughters Regina High of Auburn IN and Connie High of South Bend IN. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Jean was an inspiration to everyone that knew her and excelled in everything she did. She was the matriarch of the family, an exemplary spiritual leader and a member of Berean Baptist Church in Portage, MI.
A private graveside service will be held at Southlawn Cemetery, 61300 U.S. 31 South, South Bend, IN. on Saturday 01/28/23 at 11:00 a.m. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jean E. Phillips-High may be donated to Coyote Hill Christian Childrens Home.
Online condolences may be offered to Jean’s family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
01.24.2023 djb
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