Shirley Anne Phillips, a cherished soul whose kindness and generosity touched the lives of many, passed away unexpectedly on June 21, 2025, at Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Shirley was born on June 26, 1937, in Lewisham, SE London, England. Shirley's life was a testament to her unwavering love for her family and her passion for the beauty of life's simplest pleasures. Shirley's journey began as the beloved daughter of her late parents, Richard Alfred Epps and Phyllis Florence Ethel Beagley. Shirley was a little girl in London during WWII and she liked to tell stories about her childhood and how their house was bombed during the Blitz. She was the older sister to Phillip Henry Epps and wife Hazel. Phillip and Shirley shared many treasured moments throughout their lives. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her infant brother, Michael Richard Epps at two weeks of age.

Shirley's educational pursuits led her to Pitman's College in London where she honed her skills in business and secretarial studies. Her career began as a secretary in London and eventually led her to a job at the Iraq Embassy. It was around this time in London that she met her first husband of 15 years, Salih Vecdi Yumlu. This marriage blessed them with a son, Paul Selcuk Yumlu and his fiancé Gwynn Shaffer and a daughter Suzan Zerrin Yumlu Kaylor and husband John. They spent several years in Chester, England, where Shirley embraced the role of a foster parent nurturing many babies with her innate warmth.

Shirley and her family moved to America, specifically Columbus, Indiana in 1967, where she learned to drive a car and she continued to be a foster mother to many more babies. Shirley joined the Cosmopolitan Club for Foreign born women and continued this membership for the rest of her life meeting women that would be her friends forever. Shirley also enjoyed being a Brownie Troop Leader at Parkside Elementary School for her daughter Suzan. Eventually her family moved to Hagerstown, Maryland where she would spend the rest of her life. It was in Hagerstown that she met her beloved second husband of 43 years, Samuel Finley Phillips, together until Samuel's passing in 2016. Their marriage blessed them with a daughter Jennifer Louise Phillips-Davis and husband Bryan. Their children also included Samuel W. Phillips and wife Lydia, Jeffrey T. Phillips (deceased) and life partner Gloria Urban, Kimberly Kreis and husband Don (deceased), Janice Willis and husband Paul.

Shirley's blessing multiplied with the arrival of 14 grandchildren: Angela and Chelsea Kaylor, Malcolm Kaylor and fiancé Allison Calderon, Stephan Phillips and wife Sydney, Connor and Jillian Davis, Cheree Roberts and husband AJ, Kaylee Weaver and husband Ralph, Piper and Sammy Phillips, Brandon and Brooke Willis, John Moore and wife Emma, and Thomas Moore. Her lineage continued to flourish with 18 great-grandchildren.

Shirley's professional life in Hagerstown included a job at The Cheese and Wine Chalet for several years before channeling her entrepreneurial spirit into her own business, the Murex Macrame and Shell Shop. Her creative flair was evident in every aspect of her shop, leaving a legacy of beauty and craftsmanship.

Shirley's faith was a cornerstone of her life, providing her with strength and solace through all of life's trials and triumphs. Her interests were a reflection of her vibrant spirit, from her love of gardening, reading and cooking, to her passion for genealogy, sewing, knitting, and crafts. Shirley's Monday afternoon teas were an institution among her close friends, a testament to her love for social connection and her delightful hospitality.

Travel held a special place in Shirley's heart, with frequent trips back to England to connect with her roots, as well as cherished visits to Sanibel Island in Florida, a tradition that began with her first family in 1969. Her involvement in the Antietam Garden Club and Friends in Bloom garden club in Hagerstown showcased her commitment to community and her love for nature's beauty.

Shirley Anne Phillips will be remembered for her kind heart, and her creative spirit. Her life was a tapestry of meaningful relationships, selfless service, and a deep love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and influence generations to come. Shirley's life was a testament to the beauty of a life well lived, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A memorial service will take place at Haven Lutheran Church, 1035 Haven Road, Hagerstown, MD. The service will be held on Saturday, August 9th 2025. Pastor Veronica Smith will officiate, all family and friends are welcome to attend and afternoon tea will be served following the service. Shirley Anne Phillips will be laid to rest at a later date in Arlington Cemetery with her spouse Samuel F. Phillips.

In addition, Shirley Phillips and the Kaylor Family would like to thank all the wonderful people that cared for her the past four years at Meadow Dialysis, especially Debbie Banzhoff. Thank you to her home caregivers, Wendy Long, Sabella Nyanaro, and Lyn Showe. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Mark's Food Bank at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 601 Washington Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740; www.stmarkslc.org or the Humane Society of Washington County, 13011 Maugansville Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740