Thelma “Jean” Phillips,

SOUTH AMHERST - Thelma “Jean” Phillips (nee: Patrick), 78 years of age, and a resident of South Amherst, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2017, at the home of her daughter Pearl and Arlena, following a lengthy illness.

She was born November 14, 1938, in Bath County, Kentucky. Thelma was raised in Willard before moving to South Amherst where she had made her home for over fifty years.

She was employed as a nurses aid at Amherst Manor and Golden Acres Nursing Homes. Thelma was a member of many Baptist churches in the area. She loved to sing at church and performed in the Phillips Family Gospel Group. Thelma enjoyed gardening and crocheting. Her greatest joy was her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband of fifty-six years Virlin Phillips; her sons Verlin Phillips of Norwalk, Orbin Phillips of South Amherst; her daughters Pearl Phillips and Arlena Phillips both of South Amherst; her grandchildren Sandi “Punkin”, Verlin “Bub”, Chris, Kristy, Stephanie, Natasha and Rosie; nine great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; her brother Richard Patrick of Willard; her sisters Minnie Lou Phillips (Clabern) of South Amherst, Dorothy Back of Willard, Clarice Stephens of Willard, Wanda Dininger of Willard and Vonda Phillips of South Amherst.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Autumn Rae; her grandson in law Joshua Gregory, Sr.; her ers Harold Patrick, Charles “Buddy” Patrick; her sister Donna Patrick; and her parents Garthel and Cassie Patrick (nee: Mills).

Friends may call Tuesday, March 7, 2017 from 4-8 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Farrell Keith, pastor of Old ioned Grace Baptist Church in South Amherst, will officiate. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, South Amherst.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial butions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Cleveland Area Chapter, PO Box 74924, Cleveland, OH 44194-4924.

For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home’s website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www. hempelfuneralhome.com.