Obituary: Flora Pearl Coker Phillips

Flora Pearl Coker Phillips, age 88, left this earthly home to be with God and her loved ones in her new heavenly home on Monday, November 24. Pearl was a co-owner of the Blue and White Service station in Devonia with her late husband, Reuben Philips.

She was born August 9, 1926, in the Charlie’s Branch Community in New River, where she continued to live throughout her life.

Her life spanned 88 years and she witnessed electricity coming to New River, paving of the New River Highway, and running water in the local homes.

She was a faithful Christian and a member of the Free Communion Baptist Church. Pearl was the mother of nine children. She loved her church, her family, and the residents of the New River Community. She greeted everyone with a kind smile and a soft word. She found goodness in everyone she met and tried to encourage all.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben Phillips; by parents, William Lewis Coker and Belle Cross Coker; by a daughter, Connie Phillips Williams; by a sister, Mavia Leach, and by two brothers, Earl Coker and Verldon Coker; by in-laws, Mark and Anne Phillips; by a grandson, Troy Blackburn; and by a special nephew, Ronnie Coker.

Mrs. Phillips is survived by five daughters, Carol Phillips of Wartburg, Betty Davis and husband Martin, of Oliver Springs, Barbara Sweat and husband Larry, of Wartburg, Virginia Bunch and husband Henry, of Wartburg, and Teresa Kirkland and husband James, of Oak Ridge; by three sons, Jackey Phillips and wife Sherree, of Lake City, Mickey Phillips and wife Jan of Lake City, and Scotty Phillips of New River.

She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and a host of great-great-grandchildren, and a nephew and niece, Eddie Coker and Verldean Coker Kelly; and by a special nephew, Bobby Leach, whom she helped to raise. Kathy Bunch was also a very special friend and caregiver.

The family received friends, Tuesday, November 25, between 6 and 8 p.m. at Beech Park Baptist Church. The funeral was held Wednesday, November 26, at 1 p.m. at the Free Communion Baptist Church in Devonia, Tennessee, with Pastor Robbie Leach officiating. Burial followed at the Phillips Cemetery.

Sharp Funeral Home is serving the Phillips family, and they invite you to share your messages and condolences on their online guestbook at www.sharpfh.com.