Ruth Johnson Phillips

Ruth Johnson Phillips, 80, of South Fork Drive, died Sunday, May 10, 2009, at Forsyth Medical Center, following a short illness. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2009, at Tyro United Methodist Church, where she was a member, with the Rev. Randy Foster officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery. Mrs. Phillips was born January 27, 1929, in Jackson County, to Robert Henry Johnson and Mary Rebecca Cole Johnson. Prior to her retirement, she was owner/operator of Ruth’s Beauty Shop. Mrs. Phillips enjoyed gardening, quilting, sewing and helping others. She was very active in many areas of her church. She was loved by all who met her. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Nolan C. Phillips, who died September 28, 2008; brothers, Rastus Johnson and Lester Johnson; and sisters, Nelly Duvall, Thelma Frizzell, Robbie Gaddis, Emma Franklin and Athelene Stanberry. Surviving are sons, James Frizzell and wife, Felcie, of Corpus Christi, Texas and Keith Frizzell and fiancé, Tammy Starner, of Burlington. A stepson, Nolan C. Phillips III of Nakina and stepdaughter, Wanda McMurray of New York. She has four grandsons, Josh Frizzell, Dale Frizzell, Jason Frizzell, and Thom Frizzell and wife, Kim and one great-granddaughter, Faith Frizzell. She also has numerous step grandchildren. Her surviving sisters are Marie Payne of Baltimore, Md., Gaye Burkhart and husband, Carl, of Lexington, and Dorothy Imogene Poole of Salisbury; and numerous nieces and nephews including two special nieces, Carla Burkhart and Kim Shuman, who cared for her during many illnesses. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Davidson Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Tyro United Methodist Church Bus Fund, 4484 S. NC Highway 150, Lexington, NC 27295.