Susan Lynn Phillips was born on January 14, 1958 in Huntington Park, California to Gene and Judy Halstead. Sue attended Williams, West and Warren in Downey. She graduated in 1976. In October of that year she met Howard while working at Jack in the Box. They were married on August 25, 1979. Sue and Howard were blessed with two daughters: Malia in 1981 and Heather in 1984.

During her life, she was very active in many community activities. She was PTA President for two schools in Downey. Sue was a Girl Scout Leader, Band Booster President and a council member for Job’s Daughters Bethel No. 244. She was active in the YMCA and taught Tot-Time for the City of Downey for 13 years! She touched the lives of over one thousand preschoolers. The Kindergarten teachers in Downey always knew when a child came from Miss Sue’s class because they were always prepared. Our house was always home to many of her daughter’s ‘friends. Many of them called her mom and loved her as their own mother.

Sue has received many awards for her service to children and the community. She was volunteer of the year in Little League and at the YMCA numerous times. She received the Honorary Service Award from West Middle School PTA.

In January of 2001, Sue was diagnosed with lymphatic breast cancer. Sue found a wonderful doctor whom she adored at USC Kenneth Norris Jr. Comprehensive Cancer Center. No matter how bad she felt, Sue was always optimistic and never would give up. She never let anyone know how much pain she was really in, she kept it to herself.

Sue’s greatest achievement was receiving her Associate of Arts Degree from Cerritos College in May of 2001.

Sue passed away peacefully on July 11, 2002 at 9:14 am surrounded by friends and family.

Sue was loved and admired by many people. She fought a hard battle and is an inspiration.

Sue was always the one to tell her children that “Life is not fair” and it certainly was not for her…