Helen Joyce Bowles Phifer

Helen Joyce Phifer, age 89, peacefully left this world on October 30, 2026, after a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. She was a devoted wife, a cherished mother, a proud grand and great grandmother, and a loyal friend to many. Her presence enriched every life she touched.

Born in 1936 to Archie and Louise Bowles, Helen grew up in Louisville and Madisonville, Kentucky. She graduated from Louisville DuPont Manual High School in 1954. As a freshman at Western Kentucky University, she met football team captain Jim Phifer, who became the love of her life. By all accounts, it was love at first sight. They married after Jim graduated Western and embarked on a wonderful life together.

Throughout Jim’s teaching and coaching career, Helen stood firmly by his side as his greatest supporter. He often said any success he achieved was because of her. She was a constant presence at his games, cheering from the stands with their children beside her. Sundays after church were spent washing team uniforms and helping Jim prepare for the week ahead. Together, they built a rich and storied life, filled with cherished memories from their years at City High and Notre Dame High School. To Coach Phifer’s players, Helen and Jim became family—and those bonds lasted a lifetime.

Helen spent many years at the Chattanooga News Free Press, where she loved the fast pace of the newspaper world and deeply valued the personal relationships she built there.

As the kids grew up, her home on Mayfair Avenue was often a hub of activity, which she loved. Christmas was her favorite season, and she spent weeks decorating every corner. Her collection of antique Santa’s was second to none, as well as her fudge, divinity, and caramel cakes. Her grandchildren will forever have fond memories of cousin get-togethers at “Mimi’s” house, exchanging presents and fighting over the last piece of divinity.

After 48 years of marriage, Jim passed away in 2003. Having always been active in her children’s lives while raising seven of them, Helen stepped naturally into the role of grandmother. Helen loved her family and extended family fiercely.

Helen was truly remarkable, carrying an unwaveringly positive outlook right up until the day she passed. Through her kindness, her strength, and her example, she touched countless lives in Chattanooga and will not soon be forgotten.

As a family, we are especially grateful to our sister, Julie Reilly. Her care and compassion for our mother were extraordinary, and she made a profound and lasting difference in Helen’s life.

Helen is survived by six children,12 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren: Jim Phifer Jr., wife Linda, and children Lilly and Jimmy III, all of Nashville; Tom Phifer, wife Cathy, and children Courtney, Brandon and Jenny, all of Chattanooga; Bobby Phifer, wife Kim, and children Ashley and Brittany, all of Chattanooga; Mary Lou Wild, husband Trei, and children Michael and Lauren, all of Plano, Texas; Julie Reilly, husband Trip and children Kirby, Matt and Sarah, all of Chattanooga. Joe Phifer, wife Alison of Dallas, Texas; She also is survived by one sister: Debra Voll, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Michael, parents, Archie and Louise Bowles, and brother Bobby Bowles.

The family will receive friends this Thursday, November 5th, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church South Moore Road from 12-1p.m. The funeral will follow at 1 p.m. with Rev. Mike Nolan officiating at the service. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Jim Phifer Scholarship Fund at Notre Dame High School Chattanooga, TN.

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel has been entrusted with her arrangements.