Sylvia Anderson Phillips

Sylvia Anderson Phillips, 88, of Brentwood, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on December 6, 2025. Born on November 29, 1937, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she devoted her life to faith, family, and serving others.

A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Sylvia was known for her gentle spirit, steady kindness, and the way she made every person feel valued. Her deepest joy came from sharing the love of Jesus with everyone she met. She spent her life pointing others toward God’s grace, not through grand gestures, but through daily acts of compassion, patience, and love. She poured her heart into raising her family, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.

Sylvia was a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She met her future husband, Hank Phillips, on a blind date in Knoxville. They were married on Lookout Mountain on February 27, 1960.

Sylvia was a founding member of Church of the Redeemer and a devoted member of the Altar Guild (49 years) and Children’s Sunday School (35 years). Service to her community was one of her greatest joys. Over the years, Sylvia volunteered with numerous organizations, including Meals on Wheels (40 years), Gernert Studio Apartments (29 years), and Mothers of Preschoolers (30 years). She touched countless lives through her generosity and compassion for Christ.

Her family was one of her greatest joys in life. She is survived by her children, Mike Phillips (Denise Bearden), Ted Phillips (Karen), and Kim Phillips; her grandchildren, Seth (Mary Ellis), Daniel (Baylee), Joshua (Gabriela), Joseph (Oksana), Benjamin, Zachary (Lakyn), Joy Hope (Joseph), Caleb (Courtney), David (Isabelle), Grace, Amy, and Will; her great-grandchildren TJ, Lucas, Miles, Gia, Elena, Tahlia, Hadassah, Caspian, Vivian, Celeste, Isaac, James, Sadie; and her sister Nancy Barber (Ronnie), along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Hilliard “Hank” Phillips, her brother William Anderson, and her parents, Peter and Mary Lee Anderson.

Sylvia will be remembered for her unwavering love, her servant’s heart, and the legacy of kindness she leaves behind. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now resting in the arms of Jesus and reunited with those who have gone before her.

A Memorial Service will be held on December 20th at 2:00 pm at Church of the Redeemer, 920 Caldwell Lane, Nashville, TN 37204, with visitation beginning at 12:30 pm and a reception to follow.