Ester J. Phillips

Obituary For Ester J. Phillips

Mrs. Ester J. Phillips, 89, was born in Dixie, Georgia, on September 9, 1933. She was the fourth child of six children born to the union of the late David Spencer, Sr., and Gussie Thompson Spencer.

Ester attended and graduated from the public schools of Brooks County in Dixie, Georgia. After graduating from high school, she attended Albany State University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. After graduating from college, she returned to Brooks County, Georgia, and successfully and proudly taught school for 27 years at Morning Star Elementary, Simmon Hill Elementary, and Barwick Elementary School. After retiring, Ester faithfully went back to teach as a substitute teacher in Brooks County for 37 years. Ester married Henry Dyson Johnson, Jr. To this union, two children were born, the late Chandra Johnson and Henry Dyson Johnson III.

After Mr. Henry D. Johnson, Jr.’s, death, Ester met and fell in love with Oscar L. Phillips, Sr. To their union, one child was born, Oscar L. Phillips, Jr.

Prior to the marriage to the late Reverend Oscar L. Phillips, Sr., a resident of Dixie, Georgia, Sister Phillips was a life member at Beulah Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she had many roles.

She later moved her membership to Bethany Missionary Baptist Church where he served as pastor. There, she was a devoted member and served on many committees. She eventually became the Mother of the Church.

Ester was preceded in death by Henry Dyson Johnson, Jr.; her parents; one daughter; and siblings, James Spencer, Sr., Theodore R. Spencer, Sr. (Sarah), and Alice Herron Miller. She leaves to cherish her memories: two loving and dedicated sons, Henry Dyson Johnson III (Tywanna) and Oscar L. Phillips, Jr., all of Quitman, GA; one brother, David Spencer, Jr., and Sophia Ronny, both of Cleveland, OH; grandchildren to celebrate her life and legacy, Deontez Johnson of Quitman, GA, Natori Johnson of San Diego, CA, Jamaal Phillips of California, Rakayla Phillips of Valdosta, GA, and Henry Johnson IV of Quitman, GA; two great-grandchildren, Ramiya Johnson of Thomasville, GA, and Mazi Johnson of Valdosta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues, and students, as well as two special church friends, Mrs. Beulah Edwards and Mrs. Marie DeShazior.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 3PM at Beulah Hill Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Sibley Matchett, officiating. Burial will follow in The Spencer Cemetery.

Continue to keep the family in your daily thoughts and prayers.