Millie Ward Phillips

Millie Ward Phillips, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, at the age of 95. She was a resident of the Glenaire Retirement Community in Cary, NC, for the past 17 years.

Born on October 12, 1930, Millie was the only child of the late Claude Ward and Alice Weaver Ward. She was the beloved wife of Wayne Phillips, with whom she shared 74 years of marriage.

A graduate of Graham High School and Burlington Business College, Millie had a distinguished 34-year career at Western Electric/AT&T/Lucent, from which she retired.

Millie's deep faith was central to her life. She accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of 13 while living in Alamance County, NC, and became a faithful, active member of Glen Hope Baptist Church in Burlington, NC, serving in many capacities. After moving to Florida, she joined First Baptist Church in New Port Richey. In 2008, she and Wayne relocated to Cary, NC, to be closer to her only child. She quickly became a cherished member of Cary First Baptist Church, particularly enjoying the fellowship of the Missions Sunday School Class. Serving the Lord was a lifelong passion.

Millie is survived by her son, Reed Phillips, and his wife, Rachel Jones Phillips; three grandsons, Graham Phillips and his wife Katie Mishoe Phillips, Weston Phillips and his wife Laura Thompson Phillips, and Barrett Phillips and his wife Kristen Gillis Phillips. She was also a blessed great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd, at 11:00 am in the auditorium of the Glenaire 4000 building (4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary NC 27511).

Arrangements are being handled by Brown-Wynne Funeral and Cremation in Cary, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Samaritan's Purse or Gideons International.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Phillips family.