Patricia Ann Phillips

June 16, 1931 — February 22, 2024

Star

Patricia Ann (Patsy) Phillips of Star, 92, died February 22, 2024, at home with loved ones near. Her gracious spirit, ever-present smile, and dry, dry sense of humor touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Patsy was born and raised in the Star community in Rankin County. The oldest daughter of Milton and Tina Loflin, she was a graduate of Star High School and Hinds Junior College. She met Henry Grady Phillips, the love of her life, in her early twenties, and they were married for 65 years until his death. They have five children, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

A creative and loving Mama and Mimi, Patsy always encouraged her children and grandchildren to listen to their hearts and chart their own unique paths in life. Without exception, all of these men and women have become successful, creative, and loving individuals.

Patsy was also devoted to her parents, siblings, extended family members, and many friends. Everyone was welcome in her home.

Patsy enjoyed gardening, especially African violets, orchids, hydrangea, and daylilies. She was an excellent cook. Both her chocolate sheet cake and pound cake are legendary. She was an avid birdwatcher, especially cardinals. She traveled extensively with her husband and her daughters.

A longtime member of Wesleyanna United Methodist Church in Star, she participated in the United Methodist Women and was a former Sunday school teacher, nursery worker, and church greeter.

Patsy was the Grand Marshall for the 2019 Star Christmas Parade, an honor she was humbled to receive and one she enjoyed immensely, waving, and blowing kisses with equal abandon.

When her son was a member of the Mississippi bluegrass band, The Vernon Brothers, Patsy was known as "Ma Vernon" and her husband was known as "Pa Vernon." They were often asked to stand and wave to the crowd at concerts, which always tickled her.

Patsy attributed her longevity to good genes; the expertise of her longtime physician Dr. David Flemming; and the loving care of her children, especially her daughter Nancy.

Patsy is preceded in death by her husband; her father and mother; her brothers, Rev. Jack Loflin and Jan Loflin; and her sisters, Peggy Nan Loflin, Janie Loflin, and Jennie Lynn Loflin Walker.

She is survived by her children: Glynda Phillips; Dennis Phillips; Nancy Phillips; Milton (Mechelle) Phillips; and Tina Eldridge; her grandchildren: Matt (Kim) Phillips; Katie (Matt) Austin; Leigh (Matt) Abernathy; Trey (Megan) Eldridge; Brooke (Blake) Pennock; and Taylor (Jerico) Eldridge; and nine great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Friday, March 1, 2024, at 10:00a.m. at Wesleyanna United Methodist Church in Star, with services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at Bethany Church Cemetery in D'Lo.

Patsy dearly loved flowers. But in lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in her memory to The Bethany Calhoun Cemetery Assocation 3412 Cato Rd. Braxton, MS 39044 or Wesleyanna Cemetery Fund P.O. Box 26 Star, MS 39167.

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