Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church; Wednesday November 8, 2023.
Beloved daughter of Timothy and Karen (nee Young) Phillips; loving sister of Joshua (Amanda) Phillips and Jaclyn (Mike) Gallagher; dear aunt of Olivia, Lacie, Mikey, Keegan, Ella, Colin and the late Millie; dear granddaughter of the late John and Carol Young and the late Richard and Mary Phillips; dear niece, cousin and friend.
In her short 23 years, Kaitlyn won over hearts and brightened lives with her beautiful smile! Even though she was known by many names, Kaitlyn, Katie, KK or KT, family and friends knew her as someone who would always help and be there for you.
She inspired many with perseverance and passion for teaching, which she knew at an early age, and never waivered. She was proud to have graduated from Southeast Missouri State University and be a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She enjoyed watching and working with children of all ages, but decided she was happiest with 2nd – 3rd grade level children.
Kaitlyn loved being the youngest sibling and often teased Josh and Jackie, sending many memes showing the youngest child was the best and favorite, not spoiled, just the best! She also adored her six nieces and nephews. Her “fun fact” was always that she became an aunt at two years old. It was funny to see people trying to figure that out, tilt their head, look at Kaitlyn like she said that wrong.
Olivia and Lacie had a special bond growing up with Kaitlyn which was more like sisters, then Mikey was welcomed into the family and she now had more of a younger brother to argue with. Years later, Keegan, Ella and Colin became Kaitlyn’s world and to this day, you could not break those bonds. She was a proud aunt and spoiled them endlessly, all the while trying out her teaching techniques, which they had no idea.
Kaitlyn hoped her battle with NF and rare form of cancer help doctors in their research so others like her can end their suffering and a cure can be found soon. She was so brave and courageous and will be remembered and loved always!
Services: Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON Chapel 10151 Gravois Monday November 13, 9:30 AM to St. John Paul II School Campus (formerly St. Dominic Savio; 7748 Mackenzie Rd. 63123) for 10:00 AM mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to The Kaitlyn Marie Phillips Endowed Scholarship at Southeast Missouri State University https://semo.edu/news/2023/11/kaitlyn-marie-phillips-endowed-scholarship-established-at-semo) or Children’s Tumor Association (Advanced Neurofibromatosis Research – The Children’s Tumor Foundation | Children’s Tumor Foundation (ctf.org) appreciated. Visitation Sunday 3:00-8:00 PM.
A beautiful soul- gone too soon, but never forgotten!
Such a gorgeous young woman. So sorry her time on earth was so short. Sending love for all the family!
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Fly high Katie! You will be missed my friend.
RIP Kaitlyn. You were my baby 🙁
Kaitlyn was a student of mine a few years ago at SEMO. Such a sweet presence and a dedicated learner. I’m sorry I am no longer in the area and can’t make it to her visitation. I hope you can find some solace in knowing she had such a positive impact on everyone she was around.
Kaitlyn was a bright young star whose light will continue to shine. . Thoughts and prayers to the family.🙏
I am so sorry for your loss. I was out of town and unable to tell you in person what a special young woman I thought she was. Your family is in my prayers.
Thank you for taking care of my son ad other children when he was in preschool! You were such a blessing to the Ministry of St. Mark’s! You are loved and will be missed! You are safe in the arms of Jesus.
To the Phillips family I extend my deepest condolences.