Helen Joy “Nancy” Phillips Vanskike, our beloved mother and grandmother, of Galveston, passed away Friday, September 4, 2015, in Brenham, TX. She was 83 years old.
Nancy was born February 8, 1932 to Helen and Elmer Phillips, Sr. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1949. Nancy was married to James Deckard, Sr. and later married Harry Vanskike, Sr. She worked for many years at US National Bank, and later, partnered with her husband, Harry, to run Vanskike Security Company in Galveston. Nancy loved to cook and entertain for friends and family, and she loved to travel. She will be greatly missed.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Helen Phillips; sister, Tishua Phillips Rowe; brother, Sonny Phillips; and husbands, James Deckard, Sr. and Harry Vanskike, Sr.
She is survived by her two sons, Jim Deckard and wife, Janet, of Texas City; and Robert Deckard and wife, Nancy, of Burton, TX; stepsons, Harry Vanskike, Jr. and Larry Vanskike; grandchildren: Wendy Deckard Valenzuela (Jerry), Jolie Dampier, Dana Deckard Hernandez (Raul), Ginger Deckard, Daniel Deckard, Sue Vanskike, and Kitty Vanskike; seven great grandchildren; lifelong friend, Gloria Wagner; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Nancy’s family will receive visitors beginning at 12:00 Noon, Friday, September 11th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home.
A funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm at the funeral home with burial following at Galveston Memorial Park in Hitchcock.
Pallbearers will be Robert Deckard, Jim Deckard, Daniel Deckard, Jerry Valenzuela, and Raul Hernandez.