Mildred Phillips Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Goldfinch Funeral Home - Conway Chapel on Jan. 21, 2026.
Loris…
Mrs. Mildred Darthy Rabon Phillips, affectionately known as Mom, Midge, or Gran, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.
Born October 18, 1942 in Conway, Mrs. Phillips was the daughter of the late Frank McKenith and Addie Belle Cannon Rabon.
A very independent, confident, and classy lady, she carried herself with sophistication, eloquence, and grace. Exceptionally smart, knowledgeable, and well traveled, she had a way of teaching without ever preaching. As the true matriarch of her family, she lovingly taught the women in her life, both young and old, proper etiquette, grace, and above all, led them to know Jesus through her words, actions, and unwavering example.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of Lamar Baptist Church, she walked faithfully with God-steadfast and determined, her faith never faltered or wavered. She always looked to God for comfort, strength, and joy and her beautiful spirit reflected His love. Many would say she was truly an angel on earth. She was her daughter's prayer warrior and inspiration in all walks of life and to her, she was her everything.
She was a gifted listener, offering her full presence, often holding a hand for comfort. Her smile was her gift-warm, genuine, and reaching all the way to her eyes. Through her compassion, care, understanding, and wisdom, she gave life meaning to those around her. She was a devoted caregiver to family and friends and gave unconditional love to her daughter, Karen, favorite son-in-law, David, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren, who were among her greatest joys. She cherished the relationship she had with her three sisters who were her best friends and she loved them dearly. As warm and humble and comforting as she was, she was as tough as a lighter knot.
She loved traveling with her closest friends and family, cherished time at the beach, and found joy in gardening, sewing, reading scripture, and making record of life's special events and reflecting on childhood memories to recall. She enjoyed caring for all the beautiful birds and butterflies that tended to show up wherever she was.
She dedicated herself fully to every aspect of life she touched. After many years of service, she retired from Southern Bell (now AT&T).
Along with her loving parents, Mrs. Phillips was predeceased by her first husband, William Frederick Phillips; her former husband and second grandfather to her grandchildren, Forest Leldon Thomas; her siblings, Carl Rabon, Frankie Rabon, Douglas Rabon, Gene Rabon, Dinah Stevens, and Velma Reinhard; a brother-in-law, Dan Phillips.
Surviving are her daughter, Karen Lynn Phillips Smith (David); five grandchildren, David Michael Smith, II (Stephanie), Sable Lynn Benson (Jeffrey), Jeremiah Austin Smith (Toni), Sierra Lindsay Pentecost (Billy), and Joshua James Smith (Tiesha); seventeen great grandchildren, Annie, Isaac, Caitlin, Cambria, Serenity, Peyton, Jay'R, Kaydence, Kha'Marion, Michael, La'Kyaa, Russell, Samuel, Hunter, Savannah, La'Myaa, and Jah'Syah; one great great grandchild, Alijah "A.J"; a sister, Myrtle Lee Phillips; brothers-in-law, Dale Reinhard and Sam Hardwick; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews that she loved with all of her heart.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel officiated by Pastors Bruce and Angela Laverdure and Pastors Randy and Linda Sawlsville . Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com
Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.