Dora L. Phillips

Dora Leighton Phillips, age 100 of Portage, formerly of Richland, died October 9, 2023.  She was born on October 29, 1922 near Manchester, England, the daughter of George William and Sarah Everton Leighton. 

Dora was united in marriage to Richard B. Phillips in 1945 in England.  She traveled to the U.S. in 1945 at the end of WWII on the USS John Ericsson transport ship with many other war brides. 

Dora was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; a sister, Evelyn Wilson; a nephew, Mark Wilson and a son-in-law, Randy Smejkal. 

Dora is survived by her children, Barbara Phillips, Stephen (Kathy) Phillips and Susan Smejkal.  Dora adored her seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by a niece, Jennifer, and cousins in Europe. 

A memorial service to celebrate Dora’s life will be held at the New Hope Church in Richland on November 17, 2023 at 12:30 p.m.  A luncheon will follow and interment will be at 3:00 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be directed to the New Hope Church, 9300 E D Ave., Richland, MI 49083, to Promedica Hospice of Portage, 8075 Creekside Dr., 49024 or Fountainview of Portage, 7818 Kenmure Dr. 49024.  Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel.  Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.