A life well lived
Charlotte Downard Phillips was born December 30, 1925, in Webster City, Iowa. She spent all her growing up years there and graduated from Webster City High School. She earned an Associate’s Degree from Stephens College in Missouri. In 1945, she married her high school sweetheart, James Clayton Phillips, who was a pilot in the USAF. She then started her career as an Air Force wife and mother to three children who all eventually had careers in real estate.
Charlotte loved supporting her husband’s career and travelled to many places with her family. A plane crash took her husband’s life in 1968. After she was widowed she remained in Victorville, as they owned a home from a previous stint at George Air Force Base.
At the challenge of remaking her life, she chose a career in Real Estate. She worked hard and became a broker and owner of Century 21 Fairway Realty, which was a market share leader in the community. She earned a reputation of integrity and fairness.
First woman elected President of the Apple Valley Country Club
Appointed by Governor Brown to the San Bernardino County Fair Board in 1979
St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation Humanitarian of the Year, 2005
Served Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church Stephen Ministry
Charlotte passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on April 12, 2023, in Apple Valley, CA. She is survived by her three children, Ann, Janie, and Jim, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. More importantly, Charlotte leaves a legacy of being a dedicated servant of the Lord, and of serving others. Charlotte will always be remembered for her passion for life and love for family and friends. She loved the American flag and all it stands for, including the American Dream of homeownership. She enjoyed gardening, golf, bridge, cooking and travel.
