Irnez T. “Tess” Phillips, 93 of Kennesaw passed away August 27, 2025. Mrs. Phillips was born in Florida, and raised in Ohio. She was the daughter of Preston and Lena Hester. She was a licensed cosmetologist and worked at a beauty salon as a manager and hairdresser until her retirement. In retirement, she volunteered at Community Mercy Medical Center, a role she cherished until relocating to Kennesaw, Georgia, to be closer to her sister, Julia Hester. In addition to community service, Mrs. Phillips joined and was a very active and faithful member of Sharon United Methodist Church in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Phillips, and her six siblings. She is survived by her son, Marshall Russell, three grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Howard Lee Smithson, II Scholarship Fund at Cascade United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11 o’clock at Cascade United Methodist Church, 3144 Cascade Road, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30311. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery.
