Bessie Phillips

Bessie Phillips, age 100, a resident of New River, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, Aug. 15, at the home of her son, Estel Phillips, in Wartburg.

Mrs. Phillips was born in a log home on Jan. 7, 1912, in New River. She watched our country change and witnessed automobiles, electricity, plumbing, the railroad, and other improvements come to New River.

Mrs. Bessie was a homemaker who raised her children and lived from what she grew. She went to the store only to purchase the bare necessities, which included coal oil to light the home, coffee, flour, salt to preserve meat, and fabric to make clothing.

She was a faithful Christian who placed her confidence in the Lord. She was a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church for 69 years.

Maw Bessie was a blessing to her family and all who knew her, and she set the proper Christian example for all to follow. Through her life, she has been a great servant and warrior for God. Her faith was amazing and her prayers could move mountains.

She was the first generation of the Phillips Family Singers and she taught the second, third, fourth, and fifth generation to sing and follow in her footsteps.

She was a wonderful Christian leader and teacher who taught her family how to study and serve God. She was a friend, an adviser, and inspiration to all who knew her.

Maw, your encouragement came in the form of love. Maw, you will be greatly missed, and we love you.

Mrs. Phillips has now joined in Heaven her mother, Sally Carroll; her husband, Dewey Phillips; daughters, Hazel Bunch, Edna West, and Opal Phillips; son, James Edward Phillips; grandsons, Roger Phillips and Virgil West; and a daughter-in-law, Yvonne Phillips.

She is survived by a daughter, Omer West and husband Eather of Oliver Springs; by sons, Elmer Phillips and wife Jewell of New River, Estel Phillips and Oscar Phillips of Wartburg; and by 20 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and 43 great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brothers and sisters in Christ, by several extended family members, and friends.

The family will receive friends Saturday, Aug. 18, between 6 and 9 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at Shiloh Baptist Church on New River, with Pastors Kevin Ward, Lee Phillips, and Houston Carroll officiating. Burial and graveside services will follow at Anderson Memorial Gardens.

Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com.