Irene O. Phillips

The sun rose on the birth of Mrs. Irene O. Phillips on June 7, 1925 and at the time appointed, her sunset was Saturday, September 26, 2020 when the Lord called her home. Irene was the daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Alvin and Eldora Harrell Eason. Our mother Irene Phillips was predeceased by her husband, our father, Earlise Phillips; three sons, James Phillips, Calvin Phillips, and Michael Phillips.

Irene was a faithful member of the Upper Room Church on the Rock COGIC under the leadership of the late Pastor William H. Perry and current Pastor Lovell Ford & Lady Eldora Ford. She was very active in her church. Irene had the voice of an angel and could often be found singing heavenly melodies with her church choir. Irene was a cheerful giver, she was known to give generously to her church and the church she grew up in, The First Gospel Tabernacle in Winfall, NC, where the residing Pastor is James Carolyn Wynn.

Irene offered a helping hand to anyone she came in contact with. If there was a fundraiser, she was willing to help, or anyone in need of clothing she was there to help compensate any cost. Our mother, grandmother was a woman of many hats. A woman of wisdom, peace, and love. She would reference many quotes to teach us life lessons. She wanted her flowers while she could still smell them. We called her Irene which was weird to some people, but to us she was our mom. Irene was also known for being a hard worker and had many years under her belt doing private laundry at First Colonial Inn.

Irene leaves to continue her legacy her children, Clyde Phillips (Blanche) of Gastonia, NC, Percy Phillips of Dallas, TX, Herman Phillips (Angie) of Springfield, Mass, Jerry Phillips (Bonita), Marilyn Caffee (Raymond), Eldora Ford (Lovell), Valeria Waldon (Wayne), Donald Phillips (Mary) all of Virginia Beach, VA; 34 grandchildren; 66 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Mrs. Dorothy Tillet, Mrs. Louise Parker (Joe), both of Hertford, NC; special friend, Annetta Forbes (Virginia Beach Health & Rehabilitation Nursing Facility); and a host of other family and friends.