Margaret Beatrice Phillips

Local artist Margaret Beatrice Phillips, 95, of Longview passed away Nov. 5, 2023.

She was born Dec. 6, 1927, in Sumrall, Miss., to Alton and Irene (Norris) Lee. She graduated from R.A. Long High School with the class of 1945. Margaret attended Lower Columbia College from 1976 to 1977, designing sets and studying advertising, drawing, painting, graphics and blueprint reading. She received several Dean’s List awards.

Margaret was an artist. She studied with Charles Mulvey for two years in Seaview, Wash., as well as Arthur Miller and others over the years. She provided illustrations for newspapers and taught beginning watercolor classes in Portland. She taught a Community Service Dream Class with Judith Irwin at LCC from 1982 to 1987. Margaret scheduled art shows at the Commerce Plaza Mall and created window displays and advertising for Wards for five years.

She had a one person exhibit and reception at The Artist Corner Gallery in Kelso in 1979, and was also showcased with other artists in exhibits in Longview, Kelso and Portland. She was listed in a book titled “American Artists of Renown” through Wilson Publishing Co, Gilmer, Texas in 1981, and was featured in The Daily News article “The Different Sides of Maggie B” in March of 1981.

Margaret was active in the community, serving as president of the Cowlitz County Democratic Women’s Club, vice-president of Longview Hospice Guild, past president and secretary of Columbian Artist Association, chairperson of Board of Cowlitz County Chapter American Red Cross, board member of Red Cross Pacific Northwest, Regional Blood Services Board in Portland, chairperson of the local blood program for many years, county coordinator of the immunization program, past president of the Longview Junior Service League and Longview Jaycee Auxiliary, chairperson of R.A. Long High School Senior Party in 1972, and also participated in PTA, health drives, United Way and Girl Scouts.

She married William Gragg in 1946 in Longview. He passed away in 1986. Margaret married Lucien Phillips in 1993 in Bremerton, Wash. He preceded her in death in 2015. In addition to her husbands, Margaret was predeceased by a daughter, Sandra Phillips; and three sons, Timothy, Donald, and William Gragg.

Margaret is survived by seven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

A service is planned for 1 p.m. Dec. 1 at Steele Chapel. Sandra Phillips will officiate. Margaret will be laid to rest at Longview Memorial Park.