Margaret Swickheimer Phelps

Margaret Swickheimer Phelps, 93, of Victoria, Texas passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2023. She was born on June 25, 1930, in Beaumont, Texas, the daughter of Walter David and Ophelia Cartwright Burrus Swickheimer. Margaret grew up in Beaumont where she lived for thirty-four years.  A graduate of Beaumont High School, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from University of Texas and a Master of Education from Texas Tech University.  She married her childhood playmate, Richard Russell Phelps on September 7, 1957, and they enjoyed fifty-one years of marriage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her sister, Sara Mays.

Margaret is survived by her two daughters, Linda Phelps; and Laura Archer and her husband, Doug; three grandchildren, Katherine, Christina and Will; nephews, Tom Mays and James Phelps; and nieces, Robin Rackley and Mary Ellen Glanz.

Margaret was very active in her community. She was a member of the Decora Study Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughter of the Republic of Texas, Colonial Dames, Azalea Garden Club, Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and a devoted member of First Methodist Church of Victoria.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Larry Riedel and to her longtime caregiver Yvonne Neighbors.

Mrs. Phelps’ graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2023, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church of Victoria, 407 North Bridge Street, Victoria, Texas 77901.