06/02/2025
Every Toastmaster walks through a meeting room door for the first time and is greeted by a roomful of "Old Timers" or more experienced Toastmasters. Mrs. Virginia Phillips was one of the first people to shake my hand and introduce herself. That was around 28 years ago. She, and several others, imparted their knowledge and employed their experience to help myself and many others become a better speaker, leader and listener through Toastmasters. I will forever appreciate her efforts to help me improve and have a wonderful Toastmasters experience. Virginia will be missed.
Her obituary follows and I apologize that I did not post this in time for the visitation and funeral.
Williams Funeral Home
Iris Virginia Phillips
November 4, 1938 - May 24, 2025
Iris Virginia (Perkins) Phillips, 86, of Florence, Alabama, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on May 24, 2025. Born on November 4, 1938, in Florence to Stanley and Lucille (Glasscock) Perkins, Virginia lived a full and beautiful life defined by love, family, faith, and service to others.
A graduate of Central High School in 1957, Virginia went on to attend Florence State Teachers College (now UNA), where she met her lifelong love, Shannon Phillips, at a dance. They married on June 1, 1958, at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church and shared 67 years of devoted marriage. Fittingly, their last night together was spent dancing—celebrating love at friends’ anniversary party.
Virginia’s warmth, optimism, and unwavering faith were hallmarks of her life. She radiated beauty, grace, intelligence, and kindness, and was a role model to many. A cheerleader in both high school and college, she brought that same spirited encouragement to her family—her husband, five children, and later, her grandchildren. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a magical way with kids, especially her own children and grandchildren, who loved Jinga / Grandma Ginny. She also shared her love of music as a pianist and organist at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church and as a piano teacher for many years.
Throughout Shannon’s career with the Department of Defense and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Phillips family moved often, living in Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Illinois. Virginia created a loving home in each place and became known for her Southern hospitality, legendary birthday cakes, handmade recital costumes, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome.
She later returned to college and, in 1985, proudly earned her B.A. in History from the University of Texas at Arlington—sharing the campus at times with her daughter Dana. Virginia went on to work for the U.S. Customs, Southwestern Bell, and an insurance agency, and for a time, she and her daughter Gwen ran a successful custom apparel business.
After Shannon’s retirement, the couple moved back to Alabama, eventually settling back in Florence. She especially cherished their time living on Sunset Beach, where she loved watching birds and sunsets, and enjoying visits from her children and grandchildren. Her sunroom was her sanctuary—where she solved crossword puzzles, enjoyed mysteries and travel shows, and shared laughter and deep conversations with loved ones.
Virginia and Shannon traveled widely and shared a passion for music, dancing, and good food. In recent years, they wintered at Victoria Palms Resort in South Texas, where they formed many close friendships. Virginia was actively involved in local groups including Hi Neighbors Club, book clubs, ToastMasters, and UNA’s Institute for Learning in Retirement. Her deep faith remained a guiding force throughout her life, and she and her family found spiritual nourishment and fellowship in every church they attended—most recently, the Church of the Good Shepherd in Florence.
Virginia is survived by her beloved husband, Harry Shannon Phillips, Sr.; children Pamela (David) Ely, Shannon (Monica) Phillips, Jr., Kevin (Nancy) Phillips, Dana (Robert) Phelps, and Gwen (Kelly) Cheatham; grandchildren Preston, Matthew, and Brian (Angel) Ely, Max and Lexi Phillips, Bailey (Jake) Spasaro, Riley Phillips, Dylan (Cameron) Phelps, Logan Phelps, Dalton, Drew, Emily, and Luke Cheatham; great-grandchildren Zenith and Kai Ely, and Taysom Phelps; siblings Elaine (Buddy) Poorman and George (June) Perkins; sister-in-law Cherie (Andy) Simo; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Lucille Perkins, and her sister, Myra Brown.
The public is invited to a visitation on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home, 1950 Helton Drive, Florence, AL. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Church of the Good Shepherd, 2001 Cloyd Blvd, Florence, AL, followed by graveside services at Killen City Cemetery, near the intersection of College St. and J.C. Mauldin Hwy in Killen, AL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Salvation Army.
Virginia Phillips lived a life filled with faith, laughter, learning, and love. Her legacy will continue in the lives of all who knew and loved her.
