P.O. Box 506, 943 Highway 425 North, Monticello, AR71655

Erma Best Phillips
May 22, 1923 - August 2, 2014

Erma Best Phillips

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Erma Best Phillips "Grandgirl", age 91 of Monticello, passed away Saturday, August 2, 2014 at Baptist Health Hospital in Little Rock. She was born May 22, 1923 in Newport, AR to the late Burton Best and Bonnie McKa Best.

She was the widow of Homer Hodge Phillips, Jr., a retired Educator and was a Baptist. She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Susie Phillips Echols.

She is survived by one daughter, Kay Phillips Roy and husband Hampton of Little Rock; one son, Homer Hodge Phillips, III of Conway; four grandchildren, Lindsey Echols McGee and husband Jason, Matt Echols and wife Misty, Drew Echols and Stone Phillips; four great-grandchildren, Madison Bradshaw Zaliski, Elizabeth Drew Echols, Jay Reed McGee and Scout Echols.

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Visitation
Monday, August 4, 2014
from 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR  71657
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Service
Gathering of Friends & Family
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
at 1:00 PM
Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR  71657
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Interment
Oak Ridge Cemetery
at 5:00 pm
Malvern, AR  72104
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Memorial Contributions
Susie Phillips Echols
c/o University of Arkansas at Monticello
Scholarship Fund
Monticello, AR  71656

Condolences(12)

  1. Dan Kovach
    I am so saddened to hear "Grangirl" passed away. What a treat to have known her! I was a young impressionable Yankee from Connecticut and ended up in Monticello for my freshman year of College. I worked with the master "bow-maker" at the Deerman Town and Country store. She was always an absolute hoot!! From being mad at Hodge because he didn't fold his clothes to running over the fold out clothes hangar in the car port...to her making fun of Sandy Stewart and myself for being so young...just for being young!! Mrs. Erma I asked one day..how do you keep your hair so dark...spritz spritz with a dark hair spray and she looked at me and said..just natural!!
  2. Sandy Sewart
    I had the privilege of working with Ms. Erma "Grand Girl" for several years at Town & Country Florist. She was my buddy at work and we had a great time every day. She will be greatly missed. Such a big personality and so much fun!
  3. Gale Shook
    Loved Grandgirl so much. We had lots of god times together. Will never forget her. She will always be 'GRANDGIRL" to me. God bless all of you. In my thoughts and prayers. Love you all.

    Gale
  4. Barbara Barnes
    Remembering Erma and some of the fun times we had in our younger times when Hodge was at Montrose. My condolences to the family.
  5. Robin Davis Johnson
    What a remarkable lady Grand Girl was and was always dressed to the nine's! She left behind many memories for each of you to treasure and I know she and Susie are having a few laughs about now. God Bless each of you!
    Robin and Kenny Johnson
  6. Paige (Hill) Stell
    You are all in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult days ahead.
    Love, Paige
  7. Mattie Tucker
    Grangirl was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. She was loved by everyone and she loved her grand and great grandchildren so much. She will be missed so much by every one that knew her. Matt and Misty and the other grands will be in my prayers and you have my deepest sympathy.
  8. Carol & Ron Sparks
    Aunt Erma was the epitome of a southern, educated Christian woman. She was a great role model for all, a kindhearted sweet woman and a great Razorback fan. We miss her and feel honored to have called her Aunt. We grieve with you Kay,Butch, and family.
  9. Judy Lassiter
    Erma was a wonderful mentor and role model for me as I began my career in school counseling back in the 80s. She took me under her (very professional) wing and showed me how to properly do my job. She always dressed nicely and carried herself professionally. I will be forever grateful to her for sharing her skills with me. She was a great lady and a good friend. I send my love and sympathy to all her family.
  10. Charlie Cole Chaffin
    Day by day moves slowly, but looking back, time went by so fast. Erma and Hodge figured in my life from about 1954 when they came to Malvern and I was in Jr. High. They both helped in my political campaigns. They mentored the Cole kids over a long period of time. I have a really funny story that is too long to post, but if our paths cross, ask me about it. I'll never forget. They were an influence for good in many lives.
    Charlie
  11. Mary Ann
    Mrs. Phillips was always the best! It was a pleasure to know her through Kay. Kay, take care of yourself and know you are loved
  12. Vicki McGee
    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She was a lovely lady and will always be remembered.
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