Arlena Phillips Carrozza

Arlena Phillips Carrozza, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of God, fell asleep in the Lord at the age of 95 on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 12:50 p.m., gently held by her son Philip, who was by her side, holding her hand, as she passed into the loving arms of our Lord.

Affectionately known as “Squeaker” by her family, Arlena was born on May 23, 1930, in Tarpon, Virginia, into the formidable Phillips family—long remembered as “a force to be reckoned with.” Rooted deeply in faith, family, and resilience, they lived off the land through farming and gardening, cultivating not only the soil but strength of character and an unbreakable bond with one another.

Arlena was an exceptional student and athlete. She graduated with honors from Clintwood–Haysi High School, where she proudly played on the girls’ basketball team that went on to become state champions. Her love of the game carried her further, as she later entered professional basketball, playing with the Bomberettes, sponsored by the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Factory of Baltimore—an extraordinary achievement for a woman of her generation.

Answering a call to service beyond the court, Arlena later enlisted in the United States Air Force, where she met the great love of her life, James Carrozza. United in both marriage and service, they built a life grounded in devotion, duty, and love. Together they welcomed their daughter, Cynthia Lynn, born July 23, 1956, at Mitchell Air Force Base in New York, and their son, Philip James, born June 6, 1962, at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan.

Arlena and James were among the founders of Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, where they worshipped faithfully for many years, nurturing their spiritual life within the embrace of the Church and community they helped establish.

In 2014, as dementia began to take hold, Arlena was lovingly welcomed into the home of her son Philip, daughter-in-law Renee & grandson Kevin in Katy, Texas, where she was cared for with devotion and tenderness. Later, Philip moved with his mother to Magnolia, Texas, where she spent the remainder of her earthly life. For the final ten years, Philip selflessly served as her full-time caregiver, walking with her patiently and faithfully through the long journey of dementia. A profound testament of filial love and sacrificial devotion.

Arlena is preceded in death by her parents, George and Lillie (Sykes) Phillips; her beloved husband, James Carrozza; her daughter, Cynthia Lynn Carrozza; her brothers Ralph, Earl, Cody Bill, Euther, and W.C. Phillips; and her sisters Rosemary Mullins, Glenna Blackwell, and Doris Ann Rubenstein Lundquist.

She is survived by her devoted son Philip James Carrozza; her grandson Kevin James Carrozza, his wife Kendra; and her cherished great-grandson, Waylon James Carrozza, in whom her legacy continues with joy and hope.

Visitation for Arlena Phillips Carrozza will be held at Dignity Memorial Funeral Home, 9700 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, Texas, on Thursday, February 19, during calling hours from 5-7pm. The funeral service, officiated by Father Vasileios Flegas and Father George Bithos of Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, will take place at the same location on Friday the 20th at 10:00 a.m.

Arlena will be laid to rest at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery, where she will rest in peace beside her beloved husband, James—reunited in love, living in the Resurrection.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 414 St. Stephens School Road, Austin, Texas 78746.

“May her memory be eternal.”