Dr. Joan Melody Phillippe, 86, of Marion, Ind., died at 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2017, in her Indianapolis residence. She was born in Hartford City, Ind., to the late Donald and Hazel (David) Cheeseman. She married Thomas “Tom” Phillippe on June 6, 1953, and he survives.
She was a graduate of Marion High School and received her bachelor of science in elementary education from Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) in 1952. Early in her career, she taught elementary school in Ohio. Faith and family were of the most importance to her. She was always supportive of the ministry that her husband, Tom, provided throughout life, including his service as a pastor, general evangelist, general officer of The Wesleyan Church, and philanthropist. She served the church in various ways, including teaching, through music, and many other forms of ministry.
Later in life, this same philosophy would also serve her well in assisting her husband in business. Joan, along with her husband, was a generous steward of resources for all five Wesleyan colleges and universities, Global Partners, World Hope International, and many other charities. Joan served on the board of trustees at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. She enjoyed traveling around the world with her husband.
Joan will be missed by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Tom Phillippe; son, Thomas (Suzi) Phillippe, Jr. of Aspen, Colo.; daughters, Stacy Phillippe of San Antonio, Texas, and Towana (David) Cranor of Fishers, Ind.; grandchildren, Thomas Phillippe, III, Jeremy (Amy) Phillippe, Tonya (Aaron) Hullett, Lauren Lanteigne, Lindsay (Mike) Siara, Lacey (Zack) Conner, Greg Mervine, Amanda (WB) Cavender, Trenten Mervine, and Christian Cranor; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donnie Cheeseman; and a sister, Joyce Greeno.
The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, Ind. Services for Joan will begin at 1 p.m. at the church with Dr. John Maxwell and Rev. Steve DeNeff officiating. Burial will follow in Grant Memorial Park.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952.
