Mary Joyce Phillips, age 91 of Huntsville, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Huntsville Manor Nursing Home following a lengthy illness.  She was born in Scott County, Tennessee on March 25, 1926, the daughter of Emmett and Martha Smith Walker.  She married the late Arvil Ovie Phillips on February 13, 1946.  He preceded her on February 13, 2016 following 70 years of marriage and twelve children. She was a member of High Point Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Mabel, Oda, Fred, Conway, and Erva; children Helen, Barbara, John and Arvil Jr., and granddaughter Cindy Phillips.

She is survived by her children: son Dennis of Telford, Tennessee, son Paul and Marie of Atlanta, Georgia, daughter Shirley Hughes of Houston, Texas, daughter Judy Luzader of Knoxville, Tennessee, daughter Esther Baumgardner and husband J.R. of Maryville, Tennessee, daughter Brenda Towns and husband Rod of Fairview, Texas, son Daniel of Oneida, Tennessee, and daughter Rachel Burke and Edward Capparelli of Jacksboro, Tennessee; 15 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Huntsville Manor who have cared for their mother for the last six years. They would especially like to thank CNAs Josie and Jimmy Mason who have been especially helpful.

Friends may visit with the Phillips family on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 10 a.m. in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home with Pastor Jamie Byrd officiating.  Music will be provided by Jamie and Toni Byrd and special music by her daughters. 

Interment will follow in the Harness Memorial Cemetery in Huntsville.  Serving as pallbearers will be family and friends.

West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of Mary Joyce Phillips. 

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