Willa Dean Phillips

Mrs. Willa Dean "Deannie" Phillips, 76, of Bristol, died Wednesday morning, September 12, 2013, at Eastlake Nursing Home. She was born October 8, 1936 in Bell Hill, Kentucky, to Corbet and Lucy (Spradlin) Gregory. On May 18, 1956 she married Robert P. Phillips in Angola. He survives along with a daughter, Robin Lee (Randy) Schwietert, of Edwardsburg, Michigan; a son, Robert E. Phillips, of White Pigeon, Michigan; five grandchildren; a sister, Virginia (Johnny) Rushing, of Elkhart; and four brothers, James Ray (Carol) Smith, of Syracuse, Bronnie Lee "Bill" Smith, of Liberty, Kentucky, Carl (Lillian) Smith, of Detroit, Michigan, and Rex Allen (Noreen) Smith, of Dafter, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Danell R. Stonewall; and a sister, Rachel Slaven. Mrs. Phillips worked at the former Johnson Controls as an assembler for 35 years. She also worked five years at Polytron in Elkhart, before retiring in 1996. "Deannie" was an active member at Bristol Nazarene Church, where she taught Sunday school, junior church, and bible school classes. She was known for providing refreshments during vacation bible school in the summer. She was often a soloist for church services, sharing her gifts when she could. A favorite hobby for her was feeding and watching wild birds. Visitation will be 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, September 15, 2013, and one hour prior the 10 a.m. funeral service Monday, September 16, 2013, all at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. Pastor Gary Sheets will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery, Bristol. Memorial contributions may be directed to Bristol Nazarene Church.