Sylvia Brown Phillips

Sylvia Inez Brown Phillips, 74, of Bennett, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Armed with her strong will to live, her faith in God, compassionate health care providers, and the love of family and friends, Sylvia battled cancer with every ounce of her being. Yet, in the moments when she was most physically weak, she was most spiritually strong, and her illness never overshadowed her testament of a life well-lived.

Sylvia was born in Montgomery County on January 23, 1949, to Lloyd Franklin Brown and Isabelle Cottrell Brown. She was the oldest of three girls. Sylvia had a zest for life. She loved gardening, playing cards, traveling, playing golf, listening to music and watching movies. She loved her family and friends deeply and enjoyed spending time with them.

Sylvia was a member of High Falls Wesleyan Church.  Early in her career she was employed with Colonial Life as a benefits enroller; eventually she became an independent contractor who provided benefits-related services to multiple insurance providers. Her work ethic and desire to serve others made her a tremendous asset to her employers and those she served. Sylvia enjoyed spending time with her clients and getting to know them personally.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband of 33 years, Theodore Franklin (“JR”) Phillips, Jr. of the home; children, Brian Hurley, of Apex, NC, Brian Phillips, of Florence, SC, Kevin Phillips (Kelly), of Conover, NC and Tate Phillips, of Robbins, NC; sisters, Marsha Brown Russell (Barry), of Hilton Head, SC and Dona Leigh Brown, of Hilton Head, SC; grandchildren, Alexandria Hurley, Hannah Phillips, Jacob Phillips, Sam Phillips, Maddy Phillips and Jack Phillips; several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.

A celebration of Sylvia’s life will be held on Saturday, October 14, at 11:00 AM at High Falls Wesleyan Church, 772 North Carolina Highway 22, Bennett, NC, 27208. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be provided to First Health Hospice of Moore County, 251 Campground Rd., Pinehurst, NC 28374 or the Jimmy V. Foundation, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513.

Condolences may be offered online at www.joycebradychapel.com

Joyce-Brady Chapel is honored to serve the Phillips Family.