Broers-Phillip, Nancy Marie Williamson (1920-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Nov 9 p. 24

Birth date: 1920 Feb 18

text of obituary:

NANCY MARIE BROERS-PHILLIP

Nancy Marie Broers-Phillip of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Sept. 18. She was born Feb. 18, 1920 to Charles and Lela Williamson in Ottawa, Kan., the eldest of 4 children. The family attended a Free Methodist church. At revival meetings, she went forward at every altar call, asking for forgiveness. In her senior year of high school, she cried to God because of a series of lies. For the first time, she found assurance of her faith in Scripture. She enjoyed music and drama in high school; she played clarinet, saxophone and bassoon and was a drum majorette. She was the string bass player in the orchestra at Bible school. She attended Prairie Bible Institute, and her spiritual life flourished. She gave a year to missionary service in Venezuela. Health problems cut her term short, and she returned to Kansas. She married Wiley Glenn Broers Nov. 13, 1954, a union blessed with 2 children. He died suddenly following minor surgery. This was a difficult time for her. She moved to the city to be closer to her mother. Her compassion for single women was born at this time. She saw God as her provider and husband. She moved to Hillsboro and then Inman, Kan. to care for her father. She developed deep friendships with ladies at a Bible study she led. She moved to Alberta so her children could attend Prairie Bible Institute. She made many new friends through her love of writing and special way with words. She married Marshall Philip. She felt deeply about things - her own inadequacies, special friendships, her children's successes, her desire for companionship and her need for a Saviour. The basis of her life was prayer. She instilled spiritual values in her children and grandchild. She loved people, especially those hurting, had an open purse and heart, was transparent and warm, had a heart for God and desired that others might know Him. She suffered from arthritis and other health problems for several years. Predeceased by Wiley and Marshall and a brother, she is mourned by son Bill; daughter Bev Kirk; 9 grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The funeral was Sept. 21 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jay Neufeld, Eldon DeFehr and Dan Goldsmith minstering.