Avis (Sarah) Lorraine Phillips

November 3, 1925 – March 20, 2025

Avis Lorraine Phillips passed away peacefully in her beloved home in Galveston, Texas on March 20, 2025, at the remarkable age of 99. A devoted wife, nurturing mother, trailblazing nurse, and cherished community member, Avis Phillips' life was a testament to resilience, faith, and a joyful spirit that lifted all who knew her.

Born on November 3, 1925, in Franklin, Texas, to Matilda Carson and James Anderson, Avis was one of five spirited siblings. She graduated from Frederick Douglass High School and later from the John Sealy Hospital Nursing School, earning her credentials as an LVN and RN. She began her nursing career at the first state-subsidized "Negro" Hospital at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and continued her service at Jenny and John Sealy Hospital, where she touched countless lives with her skilled hands and caring heart in the Brain Trauma unit.

A proud resident of Galveston, Avis also served her community as a school crossing guard with the Galveston Independent School District. Known for handing out coats, gloves and lunch money (now and then) to children in need, she embodied warmth and generosity in every role she held.

Avis was an active member of West Point Baptist Church, serving faithfully as a Deaconess, Usher Board Member, faithful teacher in the Children's Church and many other ministries. In her community she served as an active Daybreak Neighborhood Watch Board member, was the Treasurer of the License Vocational Nurses Association (LVNA). She loved gardening, supervising family events, working out at the Figure World, Gold's Gym, Dent Recreation Renter (Wright Cuney), UTMB Field House and she loved relaxing in the hot tub. She never passed up a scoop of Blue Bell Ice Cream. Her sense of humor, positive energy, and quick wit made her unforgettable. As her family lovingly recalls, she was "crazy" in the best way—quick-witted, bold, matter of fact, funny, and always ready with wisdom and laughter. Avis was always joyful, offering words of encouragement to everyone she met, safe place to stay for some and always reminding them to Give me a hug, "respect yourself, keep moving and don't stop!" And most importantly – In All Thy Ways Acknowledge God and He Shall Direct Thy Path, Proverbs 3:6.

In 2024, she was featured on Restoring Galveston (Season 7, Episode 5), joyfully celebrating her beautifully renovated home. She enjoyed every meal—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—at the table in her new kitchen. When her time came, Avis gently slept her way into heaven in the comfort of her new bedroom, nestled peacefully like a snug bug in a rug.

Avis is reunited in eternal rest with her husband, Elias "Elijah" Phillips, and her son Wayne Douglas Phillips. She leaves behind her devoted children Diane C. Phillips; Tyrone & Linda Phillips; Joselyn & Rickey Thomas; Anthony D. Phillips; and Torri N. Phillips; along with grandchildren Jamila & Daniel Evilsizor, Akilah Phillips, Breah E. Koosono-Ampem, Kendahl Thomas, and Carson Thomas; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family who will carry her legacy forward.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at West Point Baptist Church, 3003 Avenue M, Galveston, TX 77550. Pastor Kerry W. Tillmon will officiate. Services have been entrusted to Carnes Brothers Funeral Home, 1201 Tremont Street, Galveston, Texas 7550. Interment will follow at Lake View Cemetery beside her beloved husband.

Pallbearers: Rickey Thomas, Carson Thomas, Raymond Anderson, Carson Anderson, Anthony Phillips, and Anthony Phillips Jr.
Honorary Pallbearers: Tyrone Phillips and John Deemer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Galveston County Gulf Coast Black Nurses Association.

Condolences may be sent to 1812 Blodget Street Houston, Texas 77004, c/o Diane and Joselyn Phillips.

"Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come on home!"

Special Thanks to: West Point Baptist Church family, Roselyn Wilkins, Fredrick Rayson, Cornelius Kately, Desire Irby, Nydia Thomas, John Deemer, Rose Daniels , Rose Rogers and Shannon & Mandy.