Shirley Louise Phillips

Shirley L. Phillips, 86 of Memphis, TN went to join her Lord and Savior on July 25, 2025.

Visitation will be July 31, 2025 from 1:00 PM -2:00 PM with service to follow. Graveside service will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Shirley was a kind and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved to sing, cook, sew, read, dance and loved fellowshipping with her family and friends.

A lifelong lover of music, Shirley had a beautiful voice and a deep passion for singing. In 1964, she recorded a country music record with her sister Virginia Cayce—a cherished accomplishment that reflected her creative spirit and love for sharing music with others.

Shirley worked as a switchboard operator for both the City of Memphis and South Central Bell, where her calm voice and steady presence left a lasting impression.

She was married to Charles Mallory Phillips Jr. from 1970 until his passing in 2011. Their marriage was a true partnership built on love, faith, and shared values. Together, they were longtime members of First Assembly Church.

Shirley is survived by her son, Scott Underwood and daughter-in-law Frances Underwood, her beloved grandchildren, Brandon Underwood (Kristina) and Chelsea Lawson and five cherished great-grandchildren who brought joy and light to her life.

She is survived by her sister, Betty Cates, and is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Kuntz and Lucille Kuntz, sister Virginia Cayce and her brother Thomas Kuntz.

Shirley will be remembered for her gentle heart, strong faith, musical spirit, and unwavering love for her Lord and her family.

In Lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to St. Jude or Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.