Sylvia Phillips, 98

Born: Sept. 30, 1913

Died: May 26, 2012

Sylvia Belle (Dean) Phillips, 98, of Niles, passed away May 26, 2012, at 10:30 a.m.

Sylvia was born Sept. 30, 1913, in Neligh, Neb., to Arthur and Emma (Snodgrass) Dean. She married Leonard Theodore Phillips on Jan. 4, 1928. To this union came five boys: Donald Gene, Harvey Leroy, Windell Loyd, Larry Arnold and Ronald Leonard.

She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Niles, where she taught Sunday school for many years. Family members remember Sylvia for her love of God, her laughter and love of her family.

She is survived by sons, Harvey, Windell and Ronald; grandchildren, Sheree Hall, Scott Phillips, Duane Phillips, Jacqueline Stone, Stephen Phillips, Ronald Phillips, Lisa Henley and Michael Phillips; several great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; two sons, Donald and Larry Phillips; one brother, Edward Dean; and one sister, Della.

Services will be held Tuesday, May 29, at 1 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Niles with the Rev. Allen Poage and Pastor Randy Pearman officiating. Visitation with her family will be from noon until the time of the service Tuesday.

Burial will take place at Republic Cemetery in Republic, Mich., at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethel Baptist church, 1605 Silverbrook Ave., Niles, MI 49120, or to the charity of your choice.