Karen "Issy" Phillips passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Karen was born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma and as a young child her mother and stepfather moved the family to Hillsdale, Oklahoma where she attended school. She then went from Hillsdale, Oklahoma to Siloam Springs, Arkansas where she attended college at John Brown University. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education with a minor in English. After graduating college, she moved to Shawnee Mission, Kansas and taught junior high students. In 1976, she and her husband moved to Houston, Texas where she continued teaching. From 1979 to 2015, she worked for AFLAC Insurance Company as an agent and a District Manager. She was very successful in this field and won numerous awards and company trips for being a top performer.

Karen's early influence by her high school basketball coach resulted in her decision to attend JBU and become a Phys Ed teacher. Karen loved basketball and played in both high school and college. At JBU she was a cheerleader, and she was elected 'Miss Golden Eagle Queen' of the basketball team.

From the age of 12, Karen's love for the Word of God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was demonstrated consistently throughout her life. She believed that God could transform lives because of the transformation He had done in her life.

Karen is survived by three brothers, Richard Pash of Goodlettsville, Tennessee; Melvin Deitz of Yukon, Oklahoma; and Byron Deitz of Tomball, Texas. She is also survived by six nieces, and five nephews.

Karen is predeceased by her father, Oral Pash; her stepfather, Lloyd Deitz; her mother, Catholyn Deitz; her brother, John Pash; her sister, Judy Watts; and her ex-husband, Gary Phillips.

A memorial service to honor Karen will be held at Woodridge Baptist Church, 5707 Kingwood Dr. Kingwood, Texas 77345 on Friday, June 30, 2023 from 10:00am until 12:00pm.

Floral tributes can be delivered to the church by 9am Friday the 30th.