Carolyn Phillips

Caroline “Carolyn” Duncan Phillips, 88, past co-owner of Crowder Bros. ACE Hardware, died peacefully July 12, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband, Carroll (Bud) Phillips, and her brother, Walter W. Duncan of Boulder, CO. Born on June 2, 1934, she was the daughter of Walter and Elizabeth Duncan and grew up in Winchester, Virginia. Surrounded by so much beauty, it was only natural that she would gravitate toward studying the arts. When her brother suggested that she enter the University of Florida and become a true Floridian, she did exactly that and then married a native Floridian who had been born and raised in Tampa. Carolyn graduated from the College of Architecture and Allied Arts with a Bachelor of Design. While there, she was one of three females who were initiated into the Gargoyle Honor Society. She also had been an active Chi Omega, serving on alumnae committees both in Tampa and Lakeland. Carolyn enjoyed her volunteer years as a Docent at the Polk Museum of Art and felt it was important that all children come to appreciate the joy of being creative. She delighted in visiting all types of museums. She and Buddy enjoyed travel and made many trips, from Scotland to Alaska and the Caribbean Isles. They were married 56 years before the love of her life passed away. She was a member of St. David’s Episcopal Church and active in the Altar Guild since 1999. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister. She enjoyed singing in the choir, as well. Mom tried to make the best she could of every day and looked for the good in each person that she met. While most people knew that she collected owls, she truly collected friends and treasured those bonds of lifelong friendship. We are forever grateful to all who have shown their love and support in so many ways. Carolyn felt that a sense of humor in life is so very important – those unexpected problems we encounter can easily be our saving grace. For this reason, we ask those who knew and loved our mother to keep a smile and even a hug handy for those who need one. She was never known to hold a grudge – choosing instead to follow the path of forgiveness. Carolyn wanted her spirit to be light and be free from envy and all negative thoughts. Most of all, she desired an unshakable faith in the peace of God and the light of Christ to guide all her loved ones. Mrs. Phillips is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) P. Weldon, children Scott (Kahlyn) Weldon and Ashley Weldon; two sons – Bruce Duncan Phillips (Keisha) and daughter, Kendall Simpler; and Andrew W. Phillips (Jenny); and great granddaughter, Lily. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 4 at 5PM at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1820 E. County Road 540A, Lakeland, Florida. Contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805 or Polk Museum of Art.