Nancy Anita Phillips

Nancy Anita Phillips was born in Shelbyville, Tennessee, October 20, 1956 and passed away at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro on September 23, 2025. She was preceded in death of her father Albert Phillips.
Anita lived majority of her life in Bell Buckle, Tennessee graduating from Bell Buckle High School where she was a standout basketball point guard, #42, and remembered for her competitive spirit and skill on the court. Always a "Jack-of-all-trades, she worked several years as a BMW motorcycle repair specialist, impressing those who knew her for her mechanical knowledge in a trade few women of her time pursued. She also served her country honorably in the Army National Guard. More recently for the past decade she was manager of two antique malls in Bell Buckle where she built a large community of friends and vendors.
Anita was described by her friends as quirky, generous even when she had little to give, brutally honest, full of spirit, a pistol waiting for the next adventure, and someone willing to lend a hand. She was known as a one-of-a-kind soul whose presence brought both laughter, a sharp word, and strength.
She is survived by her mother Nancy Phillips and brothers Anthony Phillips of Murfreesboro, Chris Phillips of Unionville, and William (Billy) Phillips of Bell Buckle. Other survivors include her niece Crystal Phillips of Unionville, Uncle Alfred Phillips of Tullahoma, Aunt Frances Williams of Bell Buckle, a large host of close and loyal friends, and special friend and caregiver, Benny Pulley.
Per Anita's wishes, there will be a graveside burial at Hazel Cemetery in Bell Buckle on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. All her friends are invited to join in her good-bye.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests an honorarium in her memory to Habitat for Humanity, Shelbyville, TN P.O. Box 122 Shelbyville, TN 37162).
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.
www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com