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Ola Dell “Sweetie” Phillips, age 71, passed away on June 9, 2025, in Gulfport, MS. She was born in Gulfport and had lived in Long Beach since 2019.
She was a talented cook who expressed love through food. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, storytelling, and had a great sense of humor.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert Phillips; parents, William Thelmer Benefield and Chrissie Mae Gill Benefield; siblings, Mary Sumrall, George Benefield, Larry Benefield, Otis Benefield, Johnny Benefield, James Benefield, and Tommy Gill; and stepson, Bruce Phillips.
She is survived by her sons, Richard Anthony Murray of Gulfport and Geoffrey Neal Murray (Amber Franklin) of Columbus, MS; grandchildren, Dominick Murray and Rayna Murray; sister, Alice Harris; stepson, Bryan Phillips; and many step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at 10:00 a.m., at Long Beach Church of Christ, 200 N Cleveland Ave, Long Beach, MS 39560.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to made to Long Beach Church of Christ, 200 North Cleveland Avenue, Long Beach, MS 39560 for the Lads to Leaders program or to the Gulf Coast Bible Camp, 120 Bible Camp Road, Lucedale, MS 39452.
Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi, is serving the family.
Obituary and guestbook available at www.RiemannFamily.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, MS 39531
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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