Carol Kirkland Ford Phelps
Carol Kirkland Ford Phelps, 62, passed away on February 21, 2018 at University Medical Center in Jackson, MS. She was born on March 26, 1955 in Columbus, MS to William Benjamin Ford and Helen Virginia Fondren Ford. She grew up and raised her children in Columbus before later moving to Starkville. She was a teacher's assistant with Franklin Academy for 20 years. She loved gardening, fishing, music and family. Carol was a caregiver, always taking care of others before herself. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt; and she was a dear friend to so many.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William B. Ford, Jr. and her former husband, Joe Cade White, Jr.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne Phelps of Pheba, MS; daughters, Laura Hoffman (Brian) of Eupora, MS and Ginnie Cody (Derek) of Starkville, MS; sons, Shank Phelps (Mitzi) of Maben, MS, Steven Phelps (Stephanie) of Starkville, MS, and Tommy Phelps (Leigh Ann) of Mathiston, MS; brother, John Ford of Columbus, MS; 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 23, 2018 from 12:002:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS, with the funeral service immediately following in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Beersheba Cemetery in Columbus, MS.
You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com. as a court-stenographer. She met Dr. Shotts who was then an officer in The 82nd Airborne Division. They married on October 19, 1952 and upon his discharge from service, moved to Jackson, MS, his hometown. Millie was employed as a secretary at Blue-Cross Blue-Shield during the time that Dr. Shotts was attending predental school at Millsaps College. They moved to Memphis, TN where Dr. Shotts entered the University of TN Dental School, and later, the School of Orthodontics.
Millie was active in many social clubs including The Jackson Dental Wives Auxiliary. She was active in raising money for numerous charities, serving as chairman for many of them. She was a Symphony League member and active in The MS Symphony Orchestra membership drives and the Symphony Sub-Debs. She worked on a committee in putting together “The Jackson Cookbook”, compiled by The Symphony League of Jackson.
Millie was active in politics, and worked on various political campaigns. She was a long-time member of The Hinds County Republican Women's organization, serving as secretary, treasurer, President-Elect, and as President in 1997. She was elected as delegate to the MS Federation of Republican Women's Biennial Convention.
Millie was a lover of art and music, having studied piano for 10 years. She was an accomplished pianist, playing only for family and friends. Painting was her favorite past-time, working in the medium of oil and watercolor, with some of them on exhibit at The Municipal Art Gallery.
Millie was a long time member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Shotts Schutzmann. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Alex Shotts, her daughter, Pam Morgan (Charlie) of Starkville, her son, Chip (Janet) Shotts of Madison, son in law, Karl (Pamela) Schutzmann of Pensacola Beach; grandchildren, Candice Morgan, Bryce Morgan (Brittany), Ryan Schutzmann, Morgan Schutzmann, Peyton Shotts; and great grandchildren, Brystol, Farrah, Cutter, and Vail Morgan. Millie is also survived by her siblings, Sonny Bolick, Joy Cribb, and Ken Bolick.
Millie's family would like to thank caregivers, Johnnie Miles and Deborah Taylor, for their kindness and love for our sweet Mom and Dad. We would also like to thank Hospice Ministries, Kare in Home, for their services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's organization or the charity of your choice.
A private celebration of life will be held for the immediate family only.