Loretha Blackburn Phillips

Mrs. Loretha Blackburn Phillips, 81, passed away Friday, May 17, 2013, at Greenleaf Health Campus.

Loretha was born March 31, 1932, in Blytheville, to Alson and Annie Mae (Hughes) Blackburn. On Aug. 25, 1957, she married William O. Phillips. He preceded her in death Oct. 27, 2012.

Loretha graduated from Harrison High School in Blytheville in 1951 and attended Tennessee State University, where she received her BS degree in Physical Education in 1955. Loretha received her Masters degree in 1969 from Indiana State University in Elementary and Special Education. Loretha retired from Elkhart Community School district after 34 years of teaching. Loretha accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Agape Missionary Baptist Church.

She leaves to cherish her memory three loving children, Alison (and Julie) Phillips of Elkhart, Kerry (and Minnie) Phillips of Rochester Hills, Mich., and Sherry Simmons of Kalamazoo, Mich.;

Five grandchildren, Solon (and Lezah) Phillips of Farmington Hills, Reuquiyah (and David) Saunders of Kalamazoo, Mich., Spencer Simmons of Lansing, Mich., Alyson J. Phillips of Portland, Ore, Traci Simmons of Kalamazoo, Mich;

Four great-grandchildren, Donovan and David Saunders Jr., of Kalamazoo, Mich., Joshua and Lauryn Phillips of Farmington Hills;

A sister, Floretha Robinson of Elkhart;

Two sisters-in-law, E. Jean Phillips of Elkhart, Ind., and Cleoria Blackburn of Chicago; and

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m.-noon Friday at Agape Missionary Baptist Church, 248 W. Wolf, Elkhart, Ind. Service will follow at noon. Interment will follow at Rice Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care of Elkhart County and the A.I.D.S. Foundation of Indianapolis.