Wilma Jean Hamner Phillips passed from this life on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, under the care of Mountain Hospice at Mansfield Place in Philippi, W.Va. 

She was born at Sago, W.Va., the daughter of the late Lyle and Bernice Tenney Hamner.  In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, John Franklin Phillips; son John Wayne Phillips and wife Eileen; grandson Matthew Phillips; daughter Pamela Dawn Hawkins; and three sisters:  Virginia Allman, Ruth Hamner, and Gloria Rae Hamner. 

She is survived by two sons:  Robert Dewayne Phillips and wife Lisa of Buckhannon and Steven Blaine Phillips and wife Carolyn of French Creek; two daughters:  Gloria Ann and husband Rev. David L. Fisher of Buckhannon and Debra Sue and husband Franklin Ryan of French Creek; and one son-in-law Arnold Hawkins of Buckhannon.  Wilma enjoyed her seventeen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Wilma worked for the Upshur County Board of Education teaching children the love of reading, which she enjoyed for many years. Wilma enjoyed gardening, quilting, and being and educator. She lived her life serving God as her Savior and loved her church family, neighbors, friends, and especially children. She was a devout Christian and member of the French Creek United Methodist Church where she was the official greeter and hugger as people entered for services; she loved giving away her hugs. 

The family extends a special thanks to Cathy Bonner and Margaret Anderson for their loving care of her at home. Wilma will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The family will receive friends at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel on Friday, April 9, 2021, from 10-11 a.m. — the funeral hour, with the Rev. David L. Fisher officiating.  Interment will follow in the Buckhannon Memorial Park. 

Online condolences may be extended to the Phillips family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Phillips family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel with the arrangements.

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