Rebecca Phillips

1956 - 2025

Rebecca Phillips, 69, of Clinton, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, in Jackson, Mississippi, after a brief battle with cancer. Born September 2, 1956, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Rebecca grew up in Mount Hope, West Virginia, where she developed the deep roots of kindness and service that would define her remarkable life.

Rebecca was a lifelong educator who believed in the transformative power of learning. Armed with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education, she dedicated her career to teaching Special Education and working as a school librarian. For countless students, especially those who struggled, Rebecca was often the one bright spot in their day-pouring her heart into every lesson, every conversation, every small encouragement that said, "You matter."

Her gift extended far beyond the classroom. Rebecca had a remarkable ability to instill in others a genuine love of reading and learning that lasted long after they left her care. She understood that education wasn't just about books-it was about seeing people, believing in them, and giving them tools to believe in themselves.

As a military spouse, Rebecca moved her family across the country as her husband Randy served in the Army. Through every relocation and new beginning, she created homes filled with laughter, soul music floating through the rooms, and stacks of funny movies waiting to be enjoyed together. She loved to laugh-deeply and often-and brought that joy wherever she went.

Rebecca's generosity knew no bounds. She delighted in giving gifts, both large and small, to friends and family. But her greatest gifts couldn't be wrapped-her empathy, her encouragement, and her unwavering presence for those who needed her. She worked tirelessly to help those less fortunate, living out her deep Christian faith through action and love. She loved deeply, listened intently, and had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued.

Rebecca is survived by her devoted husband, Randy Phillips of Clinton; her daughters, Courtney McCabe-Johnson and husband Zach Johnson of Clinton, and Whitney Phillips of El Dorado, Kansas; her son, Brett Phillips and wife Courtney of Columbiana, Ohio; her cherished grandchildren: Madeline, Marianne, Melodie, and Malachi McCabe, Reece and Ava Johnson, and Bryce, Cora, and Blake Phillips; her sister, Susan Daniels of Beckley, West Virginia; and numerous other family members and friends whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Muriel Dowdy of Beckley, West Virginia, and her brother, David Dowdy of Athens, Georgia.

Rebecca has gone home to be with her Lord. While our hearts ache with her absence, we celebrate a life extraordinarily well-lived-a life of service, love, laughter, and grace. Her legacy lives on in every student she taught, every person she encouraged, every heart she touched with her boundless love.

A viewing and funeral service will be held at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton, Mississippi, on Sunday, November 23rd. The family will receive friends during a viewing from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 4:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Rebecca or her family are invited to gather in celebration of her beautiful life.

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