She united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Melvin Phillips, for just a little over 25 years. They raised three (3) children together. Brenda was a Christian woman who knew her Bible, believed in serving God and taught her children and grandchildren to do the same. Brenda was a beautiful, spunky lady who always had somewhere to go, something to do and was going to look nice while doing it, and in her words, "sharp as a tack." She was also a hard worker who wanted anyone around her to have plenty of food and not want for anything. During her life, she was often sick, but that never stopped her from singing spiritual hymns in her angelic voice.
She graduated high school, attended Pines Vocational School in Pine Bluff, AR, Great Rivers in McGehee, AR, and University of Arkansas at Monticello in Monticello, AR. She had several jobs from industry work to cooking to parent coordinator for the Lake Side School District; however, working as the parent coordinator gave her the greatest joy for over 25 years.
She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the moon and back, and no one could tell her any different. She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband and one daughter, Safonda Chrishann.
She leaves to cherish her memories: one daughter, Deone Shawntrell Ollison; one son, Marlando Romell Phillips; her mother-in-law, Bernice Brooks; three granddaughters, Niara Smith, MaKiyah and MaZiyah Phillips; five grandsons, Bryson, Chancellor, and Timothy Ollison, Jr., Marlando Romell Phillips, Jr. and Eean Jahari Amel Phillips; one great-granddaughter, Kiernan N'Kye Smith; one great-grandson, Logan Chance Ollison, and one expected bundle of joy in January; three brothers, Willie Lee (Denise) Smith, Jr. of Chicago, IL, Willie Gene (Barbara) Smith, Jr. of Monticello, AR, and Don Edward (Camellia) Smith of Dumas, AR; four aunts, Charlie M. Jackson of Wilmar, AR, Dorothy Mae (Hubert) Martin of Milwaukee, WI, Criverstean Green of Warren, AR, and Rosa (Wardell) Wright of Wilmar, AR; four uncles, Ernest Smith of Milwaukee, WS, and John Wesley Smith, Sr., of Monticello, AR, Joe (Janie) Green of Tulsa, OK, Tommy (Shanta) Watts of Oklahoma City, OK; two cousins who she considered sisters, Joyce Handley of El Paso, TX, and daughter, Delores Williams and family of Pine Bluff, AR, one daughter-in-law and niece whom she considered her own, Darlene Johnson and daughter, Toccara Daniels of Monticello, AR, and many special daughters, and son who referred to her as "Mama" or "Mama Phillips" along with a host of sisters and brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial to follow in Campground Cemetery. Online guestbook page is www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(12)
Delois Ridgell
Monticello, AR Sunday, June 5, 2016 Sorry for your loss God b!RSS you allKendra D. Nolen
Wilmar, AR Saturday, June 4, 2016 Deone, Niara and the rest of the family..........You guys are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. I love you all and God will see you guys thru.Kendra
WAYNE EDWARDS PARTS &SVC
LAKE VILLAGE, AR Saturday, June 4, 2016 OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS FOR THE PHILLIPS FAMILY.Teressa Stinson
Arkansas City, AR Saturday, June 4, 2016 My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you bury your love one today. She may be gone physically but you will forever have her in your heart. Brenda was a joy to know and to be around. I will never forget her and the kindness she displayed towards me.carmen smith
MONTICELLO, AR Saturday, June 4, 2016 Rest in god aunt bee. You and big sister and big cousin hold it down up there.Brenda Binns
Monticello, AR Friday, June 3, 2016 I'm praying for all of you and encourage all to look to God for his strength during this time. God Bless: Ollison and Binns's family.Louise Harris
Greenville, MS Friday, June 3, 2016 Sorry for your loss .may Jehovah God be with during these difficult times. Brenda was a source of encouragement to all us. We will really miss her. Her smile, her counseling, and her love of people here will always remain. . Revelation 21:34. Praying for you all.John & Mary Hudspeth
Manassas, VA Thursday, June 2, 2016 To the Smith andPlease know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With love,
The Hudspeth
Roberta Gardner
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, June 1, 2016 To the Entire family of Mrs. Brenda Phillips:Of all the years I have known Mrs. Brenda, she was loving and kind. I was so saddened to hear of her passing. I am praying for your continued strength. God is with you always, and He will meet you right where you are to comfort you. Now and in the days ahead!
Roberta, Dominique and Jacqualine
Micheal and Anita Smith-Riley
Monticello, AR Wednesday, June 1, 2016 May God bless you during this difficult time. We have my deepest sympathy.Wonda Chestnut
Rosenberg, TX Tuesday, May 31, 2016 I was so sorry to hear that Brenda passed away. Stay strong and know that you are in my prayers. May God bless you during this difficult time.Faye
Barbara Benton
Warren, AR Tuesday, May 31, 2016 You are in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with the loss of your loved one. God bless you all.