Minnie Lambert Phillips

Minnie Lambert Phillips, age 96, passed away peacefully in her home in Abingdon , Virginia on December 20, 2011, after several months of declining health. She was born September 24, 1915 in Dickenson County , Virginia , and was one of 16 children of Christley and Cora Lambert. Of this family, only her sister Elsie Green of Wise, Virginia survives her.

In 1933, Minnie married Robert "Mont" Phillips, and together they raised seven children: William Arlee Phillips, deceased, Reba (Roger) Griffith of Tuscumbia, Alabama, Mildred (Delbert) Artrip of Huber Heights, Ohio, Robert Phillips of Greer, SC, Darrel (Sandra) Phillips of Hartselle, Alabama, Larry (Linda) Phillips of Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte (Duncan) Parsons of Abingdon. She was also "Grandma" to 13 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Mont Phillips died in 1986 in the 54th year of their marriage. Living alone as a widow, Minnie often talked about how she appreciated the help and kindness of her neighbors and friends.

Minnie exemplified Tom Brokow's Greatest Generation. She was a housewife, and never worked outside the home. Her primary purpose in life was to care for her home and family, and she never deviated from this mission. She believed in, and lived out, a life based on hard work and self-reliance, together with fairness and generosity to others. Her generous nature was evident in many ways, including decades of hospitality to family and friends. She also liked to raise a large vegetable garden so that there would be plenty to share with others. During the winter months she designed and made beautiful quilts dozens in all and she has given each member of the family several of them.

She was a member of the Middle Branch Baptist Church in Nora , Virginia . After moving to Abingdon she attended the Carvosso United Methodist Church regularly. Her association with this church became an important part of her religious and social life. She lived by her Christian principles, and when discussing some course of action, she often quoted the Golden Rule, or she simply used the phrase "do what's right".

Minnie's family was always important to her, and even when she was very ill, her conversations with them began with her asking about their health and well-being. She valued her children's education, and sometimes she mentioned that she had sent her seven children off to school for a combined total of 84 years, not counting college. Minnie Phillips' purposeful and well-lived life is an inspiration to those who knew her, and she faced her final illness as she had faced the other challenges in her life - with humility, grace, and courage.

The family is very grateful to the caregivers, neighbors, friends, and Hospice of Southwest Virginia who helped make it possible to fulfill Minnie's wish to stay in her home.

Visitation will be held at Farris Cremation and Funeral Center , 19415 Lee Highway , Abingdon , Virginia on Wednesday, December 21st from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, December 22, 2011, at the Carvosso United Methodist Church , 19429 Rustic Lane , at 11:00 a.m. with interment following at the Lambert Cemetery in Dickenson County , Virginia .

Pallbearers will be grandchildren and special friend Jack McClanahan.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to Carvosso United Methodist Church , 19429 Rustic Lane , Abingdon , VA 24210 , and Lambert Cemetery , PO Box 191 , Abingdon , VA 24212 .

The family of Minnie Lambert Phillips is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 19415 Lee Highway , Abingdon , VA 24210 (276-623-2700).