Irene Lee Phillips

Irene Phillips went to be with the Lord on the 16th of January, 2024, at the age of 93. Irene is preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Artis Joe Phillips, her parents, Bill and Ella Lee, her brother, Paul (Lois) King, and her sister, Jean (James) Dodd.

Irene is a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She is survived by two sons, Artis Joe, Jr., and Terry (Cheryl) Phillips; four grandchildren, Brandon (Kayla) Phillips, Lindsay (James) Kelley, Jessica Phillips, and Matthew (Nikki) Phillips; six great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Alice Phillips, and Katherine, Emma, Elizabeth, and Andrew Kelley. She is also survived by nieces, Janice (Ronnie) Cornutt, Delois (Harold) Dunn, Kathy (Jimmy) Whitley, and Judy Waters.

Irene was born February 27, 1930, in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The Lee family later moved to Alabama where Irene attended Susan Moore School, Snead State Jr. College, and Jacksonville State University. After graduating from Jacksonville State University, she taught English at Etowah High School in Gadsden, Alabama. She later left her career in education to work with her husband when he established Phillips Paving Company. She worked alongside him until he retired in 1985.

Irene was a founding member of the First Baptist Church of Altoona, and at her death she was the oldest surviving member. She loved her church and believed in living a quiet and prayerful life. Through her actions she taught her family the importance of putting others first, being honest, and helping those in need. She leaves a legacy of love, loyalty, and enduring faith that her family and friends will always remember. We are at peace knowing that her faith on earth is now her reward in heaven.

The family will receive friends and guests on January 19, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00AM at Collier-Butler Funeral Home in Gadsden, Alabama, with funeral services to follow at 11:00AM.. Graveside services will be held at the Altoona-Walnut Grove Cemetery. Bro. Mylon Metcalf will be officiating the services. Brandon Phillips, Matthew Phillips, James Kelley, and Kevin Oliver will serve as honorary pallbearers.