Obituary
Guest Book
Mrs. Carolyn (Dean) Phillips, age 88, of Carrollton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Born in Carrollton on July 15, 1937, she was the beloved daughter of the late William Arling “Bill” Dean and Dorothy (Robinson) Dean. Additionally, Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, David L. Phillips, Sr.; her brothers, Billy Wayne Dean and James Kenneth “Pete” Dean; and by one sister, Janice Wingo.
A gifted vocalist, Carolyn enjoyed singing and was a member of a Gospel Trio during her youth with her sisters, known as “The Dean Sisters.” Although she worked in Real Estate for a while, she devoted the majority of her career to raising her family. Carolyn had an outgoing personality and had a knack for making friends wherever she went. She was a familiar presence at the Pine Knoll Nursing and Rehab, where she will be fondly remembered by both staff and residents.
Left to cherish her memory are her son and daughter-in-law, David L. Phillips, Jr. and his wife Nichol of Salisbury, North Carolina; her daughter and son-in-law, Tisa and David Herb of Franklin; one sister, Marilyn Overholt of Douglasville; her grandchildren, Trey Phillips, Olivia Phillips, Chase Herb, and a number of other relatives.
In accordance with Mrs. Phillips’ arrangements, she will be cremated.
The family plans to host a memorial service at a later date.
Messages of condolence can be made to the family by signing the online guestbook.
Cremation services are being provided by Hutcheson-Croft Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Temple.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more