Wanda Phillips (99) of Altamont

Wanda Ruth (Higgs) Phillips, 99 1/2, died Monday, March 10, 2025 surrounded by family at home.

She was born in New Berlin, IL on Saturday, September 19, 1925 to Jesse Franklin and Birdie Lorraine (Smith) Higgs. She graduated from Osteen Grade School and was a beautician. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star for 73 years. She knitted and sewed many afghans, dresses, and sweaters. Wanda married the love of her life Orra (Lafey) Phillips on September 9, 1950 at a Methodist Church in Grenada, MS. She was a devoted wife and mother who loved her Lord and family above all else.

Wanda was blessed with two sons, Mark Kevin (deceased) and Kent Orra. Grandchildren are Lexie (Jason) Caraway, Danielle (Justin) Alwardt, Clark (Paige) Phillips, Kelsey (David) Burrow, Justine (Brian) Carlson, Kerry (Kyle) Kuhns, Josie (Kollin) Lowry, Kacie (Fiancée Ben Wharton) Phillips, all of Altamont and Kerigan Phillips of Arnold, MO. Wanda enjoyed her 16 great grandchildren. Surviving are son Kent (Roberta) Phillips and daughter-in-law Lois (Mark, deceased) Phillips; sister, Hilda Mae Shumaker and sister-in-law, Edie Higgs, along with many relatives.

She was preceded in death by; her husband, Orra LaFayette Phillips; son, Mark Phillips; brothers, Dick Higgs and Leavitt Higgs; sisters, Jessie Lou Hooks, Pauline Vail, and Christine Wilcox.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Gieseking Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Wojnar officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Methodist Cemetery, rural Altamont. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the funeral home and for one hour prior to service time. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.