Cathy Murphy Phillips

Cathy Murphy Phillips, age 58, of the South Toe Community, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025, at Mission Hospital. A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of Sybil Murphy Sparks and the late Arthur Gillespie. Also preceding her in death was her husband, Bobby Phillips; maternal grandparents, Hermon and Winnie Murphy; and her aunt, Janice Murphy.
Cathy was the kind of person who had never met a stranger and relished in talking to people. She was always making jokes and kept everyone laughing. Her interests included trips to the beach, tending to her flowers, and being in the woods, especially during the winter months when she could walk in the snow at night. More importantly, her family meant everything to her and she cherished the time she got to spend with them, especially her mother and children. Cathy always gave of herself and cared deeply for others, and simply loved life.
Those who will forever hold her in their hearts include her mother, Sybil Murphy Sparks, and her children: Michael Phillips and Jessica Phillips (Cheyenne Tibbs). She is also survived by several other family members.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3rd at South Estatoe Baptist Church. Pastor David Brown will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Yancey Funeral Service to help with funeral expenses.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cathy Murphy, please visit our floral store. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Cathy Murphy Phillips, please visit the Tribute Fund.