Martha Ann Phillips

Martha Ann Phillips, beloved wife, mother, and Nanny, passed away peacefully on Nov. 2, 2025 with her family at her side. Martha was born on Aug. 18, 1937 in the community Cobb Switch (outside of Elmo), TX, to Hayden and Lela Bryant, both of whom joyously welcomed her into Heaven along with her daughter, Carol Flanagan, her brothers, Charley, James and David Bryant and her former husband, Billy Gene Sims. Martha attended Terrell schools and then worked for Henry Maresh Photography for many years as a photography assistant and bookkeeping. Later, she began a long career with Terrell Pharmacy where her helpful personality and ability to help pharmacy customers with other needed purchases became a staple in the store. On Aug. 3, 1960, she married Bobby Phillips after being introduced by Bobby’s sister and together, they built a life filled with many memories and wonderful traditions. She and Bobby were members of Emmanuel Baptist Church and their love for each other was evident in the love they gave to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Martha was very creative and when not at work or spending time with family, she could be found embroidering and quilting. Everyone that Martha loved received a handmade, special quilt, each of which became a treasured heirloom. Being a devoted wife and mother were always priorities for Martha and then, later, she truly bloomed as the best Nanny to her grands and great grands. She could always be counted on for good advice and wise counsel based on her own life and talks with Martha always helped immensely during any challenges and blessings life gave. She made sure that every family member knew she loved them, supported them and would always be their biggest champion and her unique way of making every loved one feel special will be forever remembered. Her memory will be continued to be celebrated by her beloved husband of over 65 years, Bobby Phillips, Sr.; daughter, Beverly LaRoe and husband, Joe; son, Bobby Phillips, Jr. and wife, Debbie; grandchildren: Chastity Holman, Traci Clark, Cherish Lennon, Jodi Acker, Chelsea Flanagan and Kyle Phillips; great grandchildren: Jaymeson, Rylee, Haven, Cooper, Lela, Henry, and Charles as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family and a host of friends. Funeral service will be at 11:00am, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Elmo Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the funeral home. For those wishing, memorials in honor of Martha may be made to: Elmo Cemetery Association, PO Box 150, Elmo, TX, 75118.

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Martha Ann Phillips

August 18, 1937 - November 2, 2025