Claudia Phillips, 85, of Little Rock, died April 15, 2022. Born March 30, 1937, she was a daughter of the late James and Eula Williams. She began her Christian journey at the age of seven, being a life-long member of First Baptist Church, Hermitage, Arkansas. At an early age, she was very active in the church, serving on the usher board and a member of the choir.
She united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Rev. Andrew Phillips on June 8, 1952. She proudly served as ‘First Lady’ under his pastorship and worked in various auxiliaries at Weary Rest Baptist Church, Marsden,
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Warren and Union Hill Baptist Church, Rison. She was a distinct speaker, motivator, Sunday school teacher and actively participated in all aspects of the church and local community organizations.
In her later years, she honorably, served as the ‘Mother of the Church’ for First Baptist Church, Hermitage, under the leadership of Rev Michael Lambert. She enjoyed singing hymns and leading devotionals. She was a prophetic prayer warrior and amazingly set souls afire with her eclectic prayers. She was also the president of the Mothers Board and pioneered the annual Mothers Board Program at First Baptist for many years.
Mother Phillips built a legacy of love within her family and spread that legacy throughout the community and state. Everyone who knew her, loved her. She was a homemaker, co-farmer with her husband, raising tomatoes for the market for many years. She loved to bake desserts and was famous for her Applesauce Cake. She also enjoyed dressing fashionably, crocheting, sewing, watching gospel television programs, fishing and most of all spending time with family and friends.
She was also preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Andrew Phillips; son, Otha Nell; daughter, Martha Rose; siblings, Otha, G.W., Joseph, W.J., Levert, Franklin, Erma, Lela, Alice and Hattie.
She was survived by her children, Mary Barnett, Lee Phillips, Rev. Danny Phillips, Dr. Pretrescia Grubbs (Ramondo); brother, Moses Williams; sister-in-law, Mary Williams; grandchildren, Persephone, Tinatra, Angela, Luciaha, Katlyn, Otha Jr., Claudia Marie; great grandchildren, Alexis, Ashlin, Alec, Iquon, Armond, Latrecia, Shawn, Promisee; many bonus grandchildren, great grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was April 22 at the Hermitage Community Center with Rev. Larry Hines officiating. Burial was in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Mt. Olive. Arrangements by Hammons Funeral Home.
