Elizabeth Mitchell Phillips

Elizabeth Mitchell Phillips of Morganton died on Friday, September 12, 2014. She was born on October 7, 1918 in Hickory, NC to Laura Whitener Mitchell and Anderson Mitchell. Her husband of many years, Frank Phillips, preceded her in death along with her three sisters, six brothers and a wonderful granddaughter Molly Elizabeth Laughter.

Elizabeth is survived by her five children: Shirley Ogle (John) of Cary, NC, Frankie Winters (Vernon) of Winston Salem, NC, Arnold Phillips (Pat) of Shelby, NC, Linda Laughter (David) of Blowing Rock, NC and Deborah Phillips of Morganton, NC. She is survived by seven wonderful grandchildren: David Laughter Jr. of Chicago, IL, Seth Phillips of Boiling Springs, NC, Nathan Phillips of Boiling Springs, NC, Dr. John Ogle, Jr. of Greenville, NC, Dr. Mary Beth Helton of Cary, NC, Susan Winters of Atlanta, GA, and Alex Winters of Mt. Pleasant, SC. The grandchildren spent every Christmas Day with their grandparents until adulthood. These celebrations gave Elizabeth and the children much joy. Elizabeth also was blessed with fifteen great-grandchildren. Elizabeth is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Gladys Brown and Mrs. Catherine Jones of Hickory, NC, along with many nieces and nephews.

The Phillips family would like to thank Linda Yoder, a special friend and caregiver, Lucy Goodwin, a family friend, Reverend Larry Thompson of Calvary Baptist Church, and Dr. Iverson Riddle and wife Marsha. The family extends its gratitude for their love and support. A heartfelt thanks is extended to Dr. David Abernathy for his exceptional care over many years.

For the last three years of her life, she lived at Grace Ridge Retirement Center, where she received quality care from their devoted staff and nurses. She was blessed to have many people outside of her immediate family provide special visits, all of which she cherished.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m., Monday, September 15, 2014 in the Table Rock Room at Grace Ridge Retirement Center. A private family graveside service will be held in Spruce Pine, NC. Elizabeth will be buried with her late husband at the Phillips family gravesite.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to charity of the donor’s choice or Calvary Baptist Church, 407 South Green Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.