Mrs. Lois Phillips

Lois Nelson Gregory Phillips, 91, of Blue Ridge, Georgia passed away on December 21, 2009 at home in Blue Ridge. There will be a visitation Saturday, December 26th at 1:00 p.m. at Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, Georgia followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. at the Royston First United Methodist Church and then burial in Royston's Rose Hill Cemetery. Lois was Putnam County, Georgia native and the daughter of Tom and Mamie Nelson Gregory. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Rev. James R. (J.R.) Phillips; four children: Flora Jean Grindstaff and husband Bill of Epworth, Georgia, Rush Phillips and wife Carolyn of Mableton, Georgia, Gregory Phillips of Atlanta and Mark Phillips and wife Luci of Atlanta; seven grandchildren: Daniel Phillips and wife Tracie, Jennifer Phillips, Sam Grindstaff, James Phillips, Nellie Phillips, Grogan Phillips and Asa Phillips; and a brother, Charlie Gregory of Eatonton, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Clark Hudson and four brothers: Ed, Eugene, Marion and Tom Gregory. Mrs. Phillips was a retired school teacher and librarian. She taught in schools near the churches where her husband was pastor, including the Atlanta School System, Blue Ridge and others; and finally in Commerce, Georgia before retiring. She attended Reinhardt College, Oglethorpe College and the University of Georgia where she received a Masters Degree and a Specialist Degree in Library Science. Mrs. Phillips has been a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, the teacher's sorority, for years. She has been a member of Fannin County Retired Teachers. She was always active in the women's ministry at church, in the Cub Scouts when her boys were young and many other community activities. A special thank you is given to the caregivers: Christine, Denise, Karen, Melanie, Linda, Sam and Helen who cared for Lois. Also, much appreciation is given to the Amedisys Hospice Service of Blue Ridge for their care and direction. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be given to Reinhardt College, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska, Georgia 30183-2981, (reinhardt.edu), where she and her husband attended and first met each other. Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.