Fannie Phillips

Fannie Mae Chronister Phillips, age 85, passed on February 8, 2024, surrounded by her children and sister at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.

She was the first child of Woodrow Wilson Chronister and Vestal Elvina Duvall Chronister. She was born in Moreland on July 28, 1938.

In 1968, she met her future husband, Bert Winston Phillips, at Al's Snack Bar where Fannie was working at the time. Bert asked not only her father, Woodrow for permission to marry Fannie but also Ralph West, the owner of Al's because Ralph and Louise considered her a daughter. They were married in August of 1968. When Fannie married Bert she gained a bonus daughter, Tania Christine. Their life was complete with the addition of their children, Michelle Louise and Michael Todd.

Many have fond memories of her working at Al's Snack Bar, Mode O Day, and IGA Quality Foods. She loved working with the public and befriended many. She was known for her contagious laughter and the connections she made were so special to her.

Known as NeNe to a precious few, she loved giving and spending time with her precious babies: Paige Phillips, Jae McMinn, and Olivia Hopkins. She loved her grandchildren with everything she was and would talk about them to anyone who would listen.

In her later years, Fannie became a traveler. Her companions were her sister Geneva and niece Renee. They went wherever Fannie wanted and did whatever she wanted during their trips. Laughter, singing, and just simple fun made wonderful memories.

Fannie had one hobby, playing Yahtzee. She and Lynn Chenault played for hours three or more days a week. She was known for her "cheater roll" and ability to find an extra roll whenever she needed it.

Fannie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bert; and her sister, Linda (Jimmy) Pullen. Left to mourn her loss are her children, Michelle (Kevin) Price, Michael (Angie) Phillips, and Tania (Jacques) Mercier all of Russellville; her grandchildren, Paige (fiancé Gage Walker), Jae McMinn, and Olivia Hopkins also of Russellville; her sister, Geneva George of Mountain View; a niece, Renee George of Mountain View; nephews, Christopher (Chelsea) George of Mountain View, and Brian Pullen of Fayetteville; great-nephew, Jasper George and great-niece, Everleigh George both of Mountain View.

The funeral and celebration of her life was Monday, February 12, 2024, at the Shinn Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Ron Chenault. Burial was in Rest Haven Memorial Park in Russellville, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service.

Active pallbearers were Michael Phillips, Christopher George, Jae McMinn, Kevin Price, Brian Pullen, and Gage Walker.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital: P.O. Box 2222

Little Rock, Arkansas 72203.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.