Juanita Phillips Obituary in Memphis at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home

Obituary For Juanita Phillips

Juanita S. Phillips was born 20 July 1933 to Willie Mae and John Henry Smith in Selma, AL, the third of seven children. Juanita grew up in Selma and did all other things that young children do. At an early age she joined Shiloh Baptist Church and was very active. After graduation from high school she attended Alabama State College (now Alabama State University) and graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting and a minor in Education. Shortly after graduation she married her high school sweetheart, Leroy O. Phillips and they travelled around the continental United States and Europe until Leroy retired from the US Army. She still loved to travel and was off and running at every opportunity that she got. She is the mother of two children, Adrienne Leronette Phillips-Brown, Ronald Lydell Phillips and the grandmother of one, Arissa Rhiannon Brown. When Leroy retired the first time they settled in Kansas for a while. Prior to Leroy’s retirement and after his retirement, she matriculated with Ward Chapel AME Church in Junction City, KS where she served as an Usher, Steward, and Chair of numerous events. Upon the birth of the only grandchild, they relocated to South Florida where they resided for a number of years. Here Juanita was a member of Mt Hermon AME Church where she served as an Usher, a member of the Finance Committee, a Steward, a Stewardess, and served on numerous Boards and acted as Committee Chairs. After her retirement as a Comptroller in the Department of Treasury, the family relocated to the Cordova area. Upon arrival in Tennessee they joined St Andrew AME Church where she was serving on the Usher Board and participating in several ministries in the Church. She was also active in her Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and served on the National Leadership Team, on several Regional Leadership Teams, a State Coordinator, and Collegiate Advisor. Multiple times Juanita served as a chapter president, vice president, treasurer, financial secretary and as a member of various local chapter committees. She is also a Chartering Vice President and a sixty year plus Delta. In the Memphis Alumnae Chapter, she served on the Delta Dears, Founders Day, Jewel Court, Membership Services, Internal Audit, Policies & Procedures, Rituals and Ceremonies and as the Co-Chair of the Protocol Committee. She also served as a member of the Regional Leadership and the TN State Teams Protocol Committees. She leaves to mourn her husband, Leroy O. Phillips, two children, Adrienne Leronette Phillips-Brown, Ronald Lydell Phillips and one granddaughter, Arissa Rhiannon Gonzalez. She also leaves three sisters, Marvarene Parker, Alma Jean Brazier and Dorothy Smith. She also leaves some special family members, two sister in laws, Barbara Phillips and Mildred Smith, one brother in law, Lester Phillips and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves some special friends: Mrs Donna Blackwell, Memphis, Milton & Berlin Ellerson, Ft Lauderdale, FL and members of her church and special members of her Sorority and surviving members of The Old Timers Reunion Group.

A public viewing is scheduled Thursday March 25, 2021 from 4 pm until 6 pm with a service of celebration on Friday March 26, 2021, 12 pm both at R. S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Rd. Entombment will follow at Memphis Memory Gardens 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd.

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Brother Phillips,Adrienne,Ron and family, We at Ward Chapel AME Church Junction City, Kansas were sorry to hear of the passing of Sister Phillip's. we send our deepest Sympathy.We pray that God Continue to Strengthen The family. The Pastor And Members are keeping The Family in Prayer. May God Bless And Keep You. Sister Annie Archie. Ward Chapel AME Junction City,Ks Pastor,Rev Andrew Rollins

Aunt Juanita is gone but not forgotten. Therefore, she will always exist in the minds and hearts of everyone who had the opportunity to know her. I always looked forward to my visits to see her and Uncle Bubba in Memphis!!! May she rest in peace. Love always, Nephew Michael (Tony) Phillips - Pittsburgh PA

May fond memories of your Mother bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Warmly Joyce

Strength and peace to the Phillips family. My prayers are with Adrienne and her family.
Soror Essie Walker

Hello Uncle Leroy, Adrienne and Ronald,
We are all so saddened to lose Aunt Juanita. It appears that Auntie has been having problems for a while now health wise.
It's so hard to believe that both she and Dad have transcended on. But I can imagine Dad was there for Auntie to guide her through and she was not alone.
They both suffered quietly it seems and though I am comforted in knowing their pain is over, I am saddened that we won't see them here on earth with us anymore.
So we celebrate Aunt Juanita's life and the parts we were able to share with her! She accomplished much and is an inspiration to us all!
Please know Michael and I are thinking and praying for you! So it is good-bye for now until we meet once again.
Love, Denise and Michael Williams (Fishkill, NY)

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Juanita Phillips. -Hollye M. Shotwell

Uncle Leroy, Cousins Adrienne and Ronald. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We are truly saddenned by the passing of our dear Auntie Juanita. She is/was a wonderful person and we have fond memories. Let us know if there is anything we can do. With Love, Michael & Gina Smith & Family

Juanita you were a dear friend, someone I could always laugh with. You will truly be missed. My sympathy to Leroy, Adrienne and Ron. Bea Rush-Adams

I was so sorry to hear about Mrs. Phillips passing. She was an integral part of our family. She will surely be missed. Rest well. Demetris Anderson Walker

Mr. Phillips, Adrienne & Ron you have my deepest condolences during this very difficult time. Mrs. Phillips was an amazing woman and she will truly be missed.

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN