Betty Jean Phipps

Betty (Roman) Phipps passed away peacefully in her Texas home on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. She was born February 27, 1937 in Moline, IL to Ellen Balmer (Anderberg) and Bernard Roman. She was raised with her sister, Carol (Mickey) Roman, her grandmother Roman, and her uncle Harry Roman. Betty went to school at St. Mary’s in East Moline, IL, and graduated from United Township High School in 1955 which is located in East Moline, IL. Betty married Melvin Tom Phipps on August 31, 1955 at Watertown Baptist Church in East Moline, IL. Betty is survived by her children, Theresa (Wayne) Mitchell, Dale Allen Phipps and his partner Thomasa Shadden, and Tamara (Mark) Parkinson. Along with 8 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren. While her children were in grade school at George O. Barr in Silvis, IL, she was a girl scout leader, PTA mother, as well as participating at all of their school functions. Betty began her early childhood interest in education while working at the Sunshine Group Day Care in Rock Island, IL. In 1972, the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where she worked at American Child Academy for Two years, and also volunteered at Executive House , a low-income day care. In 1974, after returning to the Quad Cities, she became Director at La Petite Academy in Moline. In 1977, Tom and Betty Phipps opened “It’s a Child’s World in Silvis, IL. In 1985, they purchased Sunshine Group Day Care Center, which later would be “It’s a Child World II. Betty and Tom spent their time between the two centers to improve the lives of the children. They later sold “It’s a Child’s World” in Silvis to Betty’s director and long time friends, Naomi and Rodger Lincoln. In 1994, Betty was appointed to be on a three-year committee to review day care licensing standards for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. This committee brought about wide spread changes for protection and advancement of children in day care centers. Betty received a CDA (Child Development Associates Credit Credential) from the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, DC. She later became a trainer in CDA for over 30 teachers. In 2001, Betty started to volunteer at Freedom Homes Ministry’s in Davenport, IA. The home assists Veterans to get back on their feet by providing housing to get a new start in life. The ministry refurbished a 100-Year-Old Home for Veterans and continues to improve Veteran’s lives. Betty loved giving… She always would be looking for what others needed. That seemed to be her mission in life. If you told her you needed something, she would make sure you had it (or several of them!). She loved going to garage sales and finding bargains; not for herself but for others. Betty mostly loved spending time with her family. She always had a huge holiday gathering which included her family and many others. As her children will tell you, they didn’t want any gifts but wanted them to give to others. So for many years, her children donated to others in need on behalf of their parent’s wishes. A celebration of life will take place at the McGee Center on May 13, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. in Silvis, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Freedom Homes. Https://www.fhqca.org

Betty Jean Phipps

February 27, 1937 - February 8, 2023

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services