Grandmother's Self-Penned Obituary Goes Viral
By Sky News US Team
A Florida grandmother's humorous and touching self-penned obituary has gone viral after it was published in her local newspaper.
Emily Debrayda Phillips, 69, who died last month of pancreatic cancer, shared a few "precious" memories, along with some insightful life advice that stirred many readers.
The retired teacher's obit, which appeared in the Florida Times-Union, urged people "make something amazing out of your life".
"It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away," the former beauty queen's 1,045-word death notice begins.
Emily Debrayda Phillips' wedding photo
She was married to 'the man of my dreams', Charles Phillips, for 47 years
"Everyone told me it would happen one day, but that's simply not something I wanted to hear, much less experience.
"Once again, I didn't get things my way! That's been the story of my life, all my life."
Mrs Phillips, who lived in the north Florida town of Orange Park, reflected on her happy childhood.
She fondly remembered marrying "the man of my dreams (tall, dark, and handsome)" Charles Phillips, to whom she was wed for 47 years.
Emily Debrayda Phillips
Mrs Phillips also paid loving tribute to her 'five grand-angels'
Mrs Phillips also recalled "proudly" embarking on her primary school career in January 1968.
"So many things in my life seemed of little significance at the time they happened but then took on a greater importance as I got older," she continued.
She spoke tenderly of her children, Bonnie and Scott, and made some funny apologies, including to her daughter for making her wear "no-frills" jeans.
Mrs Phillips, who passed away on 25 March, also paid loving tribute to her "five grand-angels", who "stole not only my heart, but also spent most of my money".
Emily Debrayda Phillips
She signs off: 'Love you forever. Emily'
"So…I was born; I blinked; and it was over. No buildings named after me; no monuments erected in my honor.
"But I DID have the chance to know and love each and every friend as well as all my family members. How much more blessed can a person be?
"So in the end, remember…do your best, follow your arrow, and make something amazing out of your life. Oh, and never stop smiling."
She signs off: "Today I am happy and I am dancing. Probably naked. Love you forever. Emily".
The original post has received tens of thousands of likes on Facebook.
Mrs Phillips' daughter, Bonnie Upright, said she and her family had been overwhelmed by the responses.
"The messages I've received from complete strangers, hearing how impactful her words were, is the greatest gift my mother could have left us," said the 45-year-old.
By Sky News US Team
A Florida grandmother's humorous and touching self-penned obituary has gone viral after it was published in her local newspaper.
Emily Debrayda Phillips, 69, who died last month of pancreatic cancer, shared a few "precious" memories, along with some insightful life advice that stirred many readers.
The retired teacher's obit, which appeared in the Florida Times-Union, urged people "make something amazing out of your life".
"It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away," the former beauty queen's 1,045-word death notice begins.
Emily Debrayda Phillips' wedding photo
She was married to 'the man of my dreams', Charles Phillips, for 47 years
"Everyone told me it would happen one day, but that's simply not something I wanted to hear, much less experience.
"Once again, I didn't get things my way! That's been the story of my life, all my life."
Mrs Phillips, who lived in the north Florida town of Orange Park, reflected on her happy childhood.
She fondly remembered marrying "the man of my dreams (tall, dark, and handsome)" Charles Phillips, to whom she was wed for 47 years.
Emily Debrayda Phillips
Mrs Phillips also paid loving tribute to her 'five grand-angels'
Mrs Phillips also recalled "proudly" embarking on her primary school career in January 1968.
"So many things in my life seemed of little significance at the time they happened but then took on a greater importance as I got older," she continued.
She spoke tenderly of her children, Bonnie and Scott, and made some funny apologies, including to her daughter for making her wear "no-frills" jeans.
Mrs Phillips, who passed away on 25 March, also paid loving tribute to her "five grand-angels", who "stole not only my heart, but also spent most of my money".
Emily Debrayda Phillips
She signs off: 'Love you forever. Emily'
"So…I was born; I blinked; and it was over. No buildings named after me; no monuments erected in my honor.
"But I DID have the chance to know and love each and every friend as well as all my family members. How much more blessed can a person be?
"So in the end, remember…do your best, follow your arrow, and make something amazing out of your life. Oh, and never stop smiling."
She signs off: "Today I am happy and I am dancing. Probably naked. Love you forever. Emily".
The original post has received tens of thousands of likes on Facebook.
Mrs Phillips' daughter, Bonnie Upright, said she and her family had been overwhelmed by the responses.
"The messages I've received from complete strangers, hearing how impactful her words were, is the greatest gift my mother could have left us," said the 45-year-old.
