Nancy Josiephene Phillips

Funeral services for Nancy Josiephene Phillips will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Kevin Gentry and Bro. Jack White officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Maydelle. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at the funeral home.

She was born in Rusk, Texas on April 29, 1933 to Bennie and Clemmie Smith Grogan. She was escorted by angels to meet her Redeemer on January 6, 2019.

“Josie” married Clyde Phillips on December 25, 1948 at age fifteen. They met at a phone booth on the square in Rusk where both of them had arrived at the same time to call the hospital in Jacksonville to check on their grandmothers. It was love at first sight and they were married three months later.

Her life spoke volumes about the true Christian she was. She was selfless and put everyone’s needs and wishes before her own. Her children and grandchildren rose up and called her blessed. The love she gave to her family filled them to overflowing and beyond. Her faith and trust in God was truly an example and testimony to everyone. She loved her family and her church family at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Maydelle.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers: Richard, James “Buddy,” and Ray Grogan, and sister Mary Moore.

She is survived by her children, Martha and Bobby Coates of Rusk; Morgan and Rhonda Phillips of Percilla; Clyde and Peggy Phillips of Pasadena, Texas; and Terry and Vicki Phillips of Rusk; ten grandchildren: Dwain and Farrah Coates, Sheila and Kevin Gentry, Billy May, Sarah, and Craig Smith, Rebecca and Chris Smith, Heather and Jimmy Thompson, Amy Teekle, Jonathan and Brittany Phillips, Courtney and Josh Hill, Alaina Phillips; great-grandchildren Jason Gentry, Laurie Gentry, Brandon Gentry, Brianna Dickson, Emily Coates, Nathan Coates, Caden Thompson, Paige Thompson, Sam Teekle, D.J. Teekle, Ethan Smith, Laci Phillips, Raelynn Smith, Wesley Hill, Kinsley Hill, Riley Hill, and Marley Phillips.

Pallbearers will be Zac Bryant, Jimmy Thompson, Craig Smith, Jonathan Phillips, Josh Hill and Jason Gentry. She will be laid to rest at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Maydelle.

The family wishes to thank Geary Lee, Pam Griffith, Robin Kirk and Laura Parker of Hospice of East Texas for their gentle care and support over the last few months. The family would like to give a special thank you to Ernestine “Tena” Watson, Susie Shields and Becky Spraggins who, have lovingly dedicated their time to care for both her and her family.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd • Tyler, TX 75701.