Ayako and Frederick Phillips

Ayako Iizaku Phillips was born in Tokyo, Japan January 27, 1927, and lived there until she was 26. The Korean War shaped her life. She and her mother worked at the Masonic Home in Tokyo, where American soldiers took their R&R from the war front. This is how she met Fred. Ayako and Fred were married at the American Embassy in Tokyo on November 27, 1953. Her father disapproved of her marrying an American. Ayako was very courageous to not only marry an American, but to leave Japan to live in Kentucky where Fred finished his Pharmacy School education at University of Kentucky.

Ayako became a naturalized citizen on January 23, 1958, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Frederick Bayard Phillips was born in Frankfort, Kentucky on July 28, 1928. Prior to entering service, Fred had three years of College and worked as a Pharmacist assistant at Oak Drug Co, in New Albany, Indiana but lived in Louisville. He returned to UK to finish his degree after he was discharged.

Ayako Phillips was a graduate of the University of Louisville, receiving both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. After graduation, she taught elementary education in the Jefferson County Public Schools at Rutherford Elementary. She had great compassion for newcomers to America and taught in a school with a large immigrant population. Ayako believed in the power of education to improve life. In her generosity, she has provided an opportunity for students to continue their education and become educators. She always hoped the students who receive the scholarship would teach for Jefferson County Public Schools.