Glenda Joyce Phillippi

Glenda Joyce Phillippi (née Melton) passed away on September 19, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Born on October 31, 1947, in Garland, Texas, she was the daughter of Delmer Glynn Thomas and Thyra Joyce Sloan (née Thomas).

She is survived by her son and his wife, Shaun and Camellia Acker, and their sons, Cohen and Payton Acker. She is also survived by several step-children and their families.

Glenda was predeceased by her parents and her son, John Douglas McBryde. She was also predeceased by her prior husbands whom she jokingly said she beat by outlasting: Otto Brooks, Noble Lee Roberts, F.M. Holder, Billy Acker, and Tom Phillippi.

Glenda’s educational and professional journey was as diverse as her life experiences. In her early years, she was a carnival attendant, a race car driver, a police officer, a cosmetologist, a mechanic, and even took jobs picking fruits and vegetables to get her family out of California. In 1980, at the age of 33, she became a licensed practical nurse. She practiced nursing for 35 years before changing careers to work as a prison guard. She retired from the prison and thereafter enjoyed going on trips and spending time with family and friends.

Glenda will be missed and remembered for how she loved the people she came in contact with. In the end, she left behind many that she treated as her own children whether they shared her blood or not. She taught us all that the value of a life lived is the people whose lives you influenced and Glenda was priceless.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Texas Chihuahua Rescue.

Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com

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