Willanna Lorraine Phillips

1935 - 2026

Willanna Lorraine Phillips, 90, formerly of Columbus, passed peacefully from this life at 9:04 a.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2026 while at Storypoint Assisted Living Facility in West Bloomfield, Michigan. She was born at home in Carrollton, Kentucky, on December 3, 1935, to Cecil and Lillian Francis Pardo Hackett. Interestingly, they were living in Carroll County, Kentucky during the great flood of 1937. Cecil carried Lillian and baby Willanna out through the flood waters to safety, eventually watching their house float away. This started her long journey of life. She graduated from Trimble County High School in 1955. Soon after, she met Melvin Phillips and they were married at a small chapel on August 16, 1955. They moved to Columbus, Indiana as Melvin started working for Cummins Engine Company. They resided in Columbus for the majority of their lives, raising two children, until Melvin's passing in 2017. Melvin and Willanna were soul mates for 62 years. They did everything together. Willanna worked as a switchboard operator; attended Beauty college; and worked for the B.C.S.C. as a cafeteria attendant at Parkside Elementary School after her children left home. She mostly loved working in her yard. Willanna had a small garden raising seasonal vegetables and enjoyed growing the most beautiful annuals and perennials, especially her wall of colorful mums. Surviving are daughter, Debra Phillips of Henderson, Nevada; son, Mark (Pam Krugman) Phillips of Franklin, Michigan; granddaughters, Tiffany, Alex; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Melvin; parents; sisters, Louise (Franklin) Ginn, Joyce (Leon) Scott, Carolyn Hackett Jones and brother, Lavon Cecil Hackett. The funeral service honoring Willanna's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with Pastor Luke Maggard officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Dupont Cemetery next to her husband. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Phillips family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.