Marion Steele Phifer, age 85 of Paris, Tennessee, formerly of Hazen, Arkansas, died Monday, February 8, 2016 in Paris. Marion married Donald T. Phifer on May 20, 1955. He preceded her in death on May 2, 1998. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hazen, Arkansas and attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Paris. She and her husband were former owner’s and operators of Don’s Food Store in Hazen. Marion taught 4th grade at Hazen Elementary School. She loved to fish, watch sports(especially the St. Louis Cardinal’s), loved gardening and canning, and was very involved in church work with the Ladies Auxillary in Hazen Methodist Church and helping the Hazen Arkansas Fire Department. Marion volunteered at Tomorrow’s Hope in Paris.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents Mildred and Loyce Steele, her sister, Frances Wages, brother, Maxie Steele, and grandchild, Tori LaDonna Dukes.
Marion is survived by her daughter, Karen Dukes and husband, Bro. Larry Dukes of Paris, Tennessee; son, Kevin Steele Phifer of Hampton, Arkansas; sisters, Marie Boone of Baldwyn, Mississippi and Ruby (Leon) Wigginton off West Memphis, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Nadine Steele of Baldwyn, Mississippi; grandchild, Lance (Christy) Dukes of Huntingdon, Tennessee; special granddaughter, Kate Sherard of Paris, Tennessee and great-grandchildren, Gavin Robbins, Haley Robbins, and Levi Dukes.
Memorial contributions may be made Tori Dukes Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Merchant & Farmers Bank, P.O. Box 700, Holly Springs, Ms. 38635.
A visitation will be held at Ridgeway Funeral Home in Paris from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 9, 2016. Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen with visitation from 11:00 to 1:00 prior to the service.
Burial will be in the Hazen Cemetery.
KAREN ,KEVIN- We regret to hear the loss of your mother-we had a lot of good times together when we were younger, Don and Marion were special people always there if you needed any help-We Pray God will comfort you at this sad time
Belatedly, tonight (Feb 10) I sadly learned that Mrs Marion Phifer had passed away on Feb 8. The news of her death prompted many cherished memories of the past to surface. Miss Marion Steele was my 4th grade teacher at Hazen Elementary School. I remember her for her kindness to her students. I remember “the fire” that erupted in the school building and how that “Miss Marion” led us children outside to safety, much like a mother hen leading and guiding her chicks. I don’t remember everything about the school subjects that I was taught back then, but I do remember a lot of things about my teachers. I distinctly remember with fondness that Miss Marion Steele (who became Mrs. Marion Phifer) was one of my best teachers ever and I shall always cherish the exemplary Christian life that she lived before her students. Our prayers continue for her family and many friends.