Barbara Phillips

Barbara Gregg Phillips, age 86, of Nashville, TN, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024. Barbara was born on December 12, 1937, the daughter of Carl William and Laura Sue Davis.

A native Nashvillian and East High School graduate, Barbara received her Bachelor’s from Peabody College of Education and her Master’s in Special Education from Vanderbilt University. She taught English at Hillsboro High School for eight years, and then became the Head of School at Westminster School of Nashville (now Currey Ingram Academy) for over a decade. Later she founded Barbara Gregg & Associates, a consulting firm for children with learning disabilities, and also continued corporate consulting for hiring executive talent. During her final 20 years in the workforce, Barbara contracted with Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s recruitment and relocation services, focusing on the placement of high-level department chairs. She retired at age 75 and continued her civic and community engagement. Barbara was an active member of the Centennial Club, serving on the Literary Committee and as Program Chairman (2017-2019). She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Hillwood Country Club and Highland Garden Club. Her hobbies included playing bridge, tennis, book and writing clubs, gourmet cooking club, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Robert Aldrich Phillips, Jr., Retired Colonel in the United States Marines Corp, who passed away last spring. She is survived by her son William J. (Lisa) Gregg, Jr., granddaughters Lauren Gregg (Jake) McWhirter and Natalie Ann Gregg, and great-granddaughter Madelyn McWhirter. Barbara is also survived by her three younger siblings: Sonny (Ann) Davis, Judy (Jim) Freeman, and Janet Davis, and many nieces and nephews. Active until her recent illness, Barbara’s generosity, warm spirit, and elegant demeanor will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 27 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the parlor at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN. Memorial service to follow at 2:30 p.m.