Katherine E. Phillips

02/25/1949 - 07/08/2025

Katherine "Kay" E. Phillips, 76, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully at home on July 8, 2025.

Born in Upper Darby, PA, Kay grew up in Virginia Beach and later made her home in Fairfax County, VA, where she lived for more than 40 years. She first met Jerry Phillips in 1967 at Lee's Jet Lounge in Virginia Beach. Years later, after both had moved to Fairfax in 1971, they reconnected - and in 1976, they married. The two made a great team — both in life and at work — spending many years together running their law office in Fairfax. In 2021, they moved to Knoxville, TN to be closer to their daughter's family.

Kay worked for many years as a paralegal and was known for her wit, warmth, and welcoming spirit. She brought joy and laughter to everyone around her and had a special gift for making people feel important and included. Her love for animals (including her collection of giraffes), sharp sense of humor, unforgettable holiday hosting, and unique sense of style will be remembered by all who knew her. Her ability to interior decorate brought the Phillips family residence to be featured on the 1992 Virginia Home and Garden Tour.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Jerry Phillips; her children, Lisa Sinclair (Seth) and Jonathan Phillips (Cori); and her cherished grandchildren: Harry, Julia, Kate, Ben, AJ, Thomas, Leo, Cressa, and Will. She is also survived by her stepdaughter Brooke Phillips; her sisters, Barbara King (Jim) and Elizabeth Jane (Bette) Bench, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth Catherine (Betty) Wilkinson and Charles Walter Wilkinson.

Kay will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on in the love she poured into the lives of those around her.
A Funeral Mass held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Knoxville, TN may be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/KayMass (if they allow URLs in the post). Memorial Service: Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 1 p.m. (visitation starts at 11 a.m.) at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, Fairfax, VA, followed by burial at Fairfax Memorial Park.