Addie Jo Phillips
On Sunday, August 1, 2021, Addie Jo Phillips, 66, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus Christ.
She was a lifetime resident of Jasper, Tn., at her family’s original home place. Addie was born on August 24, 1954, to the late Mack “Skipper” and Stella Grider Phillips. She was the youngest of twelve Phillips siblings and the one that kept everyone in check and in line. She was of the Baptist faith and a member of Jasper First Baptist in Jasper.
Addie leaves her beautiful memories to her brothers, Otis (Judy) Phillips, and James “Skip” (Donna) Phillips; sister, Betty Sue Phillips Hayes; special nieces, Kathy (Alvin) Phillips Horton, Martha Jo Hayes and Carol (Roger) Jean Hayes Mayo; nieces, Joy (Troy) Bolton, Teresa (Michael) Davis and Laura (Robert) Parker; nephews, Joel “Sepp” (Kim) Colston, Nathan (Susie) Phillips, Mack (Tammy) Phillips, Ryan (Kim) Phillips and David (Christy) Phillips along with several great nieces and nephews; great-great niece and nephew; great-great-great nephew; her fur baby, Shadow Black; her fur baby nieces and nephews, China Bell, Savannah Magnolia, Mooch, Buddy and Spanky and special friends, Kay (Windell) Meeks, Judy Brewer, Sharon Lawhorn, Inez Johnson, Carolyn Keahey and Sherri "Scoop A Do" Sisk.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mack “Skipper” and Stella Grider Phillips; brothers, Billy Mack Phillips, Paul Phillips and George “Wick” Phillips; sisters, Mary Nell Phillips Colston, Ollie Mae Phillips and Ethel Faye Phillips; twin siblings, Jean and Jerry Phillips; nephews, Barry Colston and Allen Phillips and husband, Eddie Bell, Sr.
She was a graduate of the Class of 1972 at Marion County High School in Jasper. After graduation, Addie attended Chattanooga State Community College where she studied pre-nursing. Her lifetime careers consisted of working at Valley Psychiatric Hospital as a psychiatric technician, Pioneer Bank in Chattanooga, News Free Press in Chattanooga, and assisted her husband in developing and managing Bell Mobile Home Park.
Anyone who ever met Addie knew that she always put her family and friends first oftentimes neglecting her own pain and struggles. She always had a smile on her face despite the suffering she was enduring. She was the rock of the family, and the glue that kept them together as well as the matriarch of the family. Her legacy she left behind was full of joy, compassion, and generosity. Addie always wanted and longed for all of the family to be together for various holidays. She especially enjoyed celebrating each person's birthdays. In Addie's final hours, though it was not actually stated, she made sure all of the family was there for one last family reunion/hurrah. As the family gathered around Addie saying their final goodbyes and sharing their stories, we know she heard every word that was spoken. In the end, the smile on her face was genuine, and not forced as she departed this world into the arms of Jesus. No more pain, suffering, or struggles.
Addie enjoyed the beach, walking in the sand, and picking up sea shells. She had the opportunity to do just that this past year, and had a blast. Another passion of Addie's was the love of her animals many of which were rescued and/or abused. She also loved each "park tenant", and helped them out many times as they were like part of the family.
The last several years an organization that was near and dear to her heart was "Donate Life America" which is a nonprofit organization encouraging everyone to become a donor. If Addie were still alive today, she would be the first to tell you becoming a donor "saves lives". For more information go to "https://www.donatelife.net/". And yes, she did receive her liver, one that was perfect. Our prayers were answered.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Foundation at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of Addie Jo Phillips.
There will be a graveside service for family and friends on Saturday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m. CST at Pine Grove Cemetery, 2056 Valley View Highway, Jasper, with Pastor Roger Webb officiating.
Pallbearers are Wayne Kennedy, Kenny Catlett, Ryan Phillips, Mack Phillips, David Phillips and Ray Pryor. Honorary Pallbearers are Harvey Cameron, Dr. R.E. Kirk, Dr. Troy Pickett, Windell Meeks, Roger Mayo, Paul West, Alvin Horton, Randall Pesnell, Michael McGee, Ron West, Rick Pittman and Frank Klein.
Addie's family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Chirag Patel, Dr. David Collins, Dr. David McCarley, UAB Transplant Liver Team and Palliative Care at UAB for all the love, devotion and care given to Addie during her time of illness. They will forever be grateful.
Funeral arrangements are by Rogers Funeral Home, 400 Laurel Ave., South Pittsburg, Tn. 37380.