Celeste Holt Phillips

She was born on Sept. 7, 1943, in Ripley, Mississippi. Celeste poured life into others—through teaching, church outreach, arts in the community, service through Alpha Delta Kappa, and especially in training her family to love the Lord.

She lived a life defined by unwavering faith, sacrificial love, and joyful service. Education was always where she knew she belonged- teaching children at home, at church, in the community and at school. She was a devoted Christian and faithful member of the North Jefferson Church of Christ and a dedicated teacher for almost 40 years at Gardendale Elementary School. She leaves behind a legacy that shines through her family.

Celeste was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack Shepard Phillips; cherished mother, Odelle Holt; her father, Raymond Dodd Holt; her beloved grandparents; and many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her brother, Dodd Holt, and a host of family and friends.

Celeste's greatest treasure on earth was her family. She was a faithful wife of 38 years to Jack, and a loving mother to Jack Jr. (Becky), Benjamin (Kimberly), Jeffrey (Nathalie) and Laura (Joseph).

She was a proud grandmother to Mary King (Ryan), Rebecca Harris (Andrew), Trey Phillips (Annie), Beau Phillips (Hillery), Jacob Phillips (Dayanara), Cody Phillips, Scotty Phillips, Abigail Powell and Vivian Powell. She loved each one very deeply and kept them close to her heart. Her greatest delight in recent years was being a Mimi to her great-grandchildren: Cora Belle Harris, Lexie King, and Teddy King. Each “GG” was a precious blessing, and she expressed that through her consistent warmth and affection.

Celeste’s life was a beautiful example of grace, perseverance, and hope. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her example, countless friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, and a community made better because she was part of it. Though her earthly journey has ended, her family is comforted by the assurance that she has received the fulfillment of God’s eternal promise and now rests peacefully in His presence.

Services to honor Celeste’s life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home in Jasper, Alabama; The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Service at 11 am with Kip Green officiating. There will be a graveside service for family only at Oak Hill Cemetery in Jasper.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to: North Jefferson Church of Christ, Indian Creek Youth Camp, or Childhaven.