Mrs. Louise Elizabeth Phillips

September 12, 1928 - November 26, 2020

Louise E. Phillips, 92, of Keystone Heights passed away Thursday, November 26, 2020, at Community Hospice in Jacksonville. She was born September 12, 1928, in Jacksonville to Joseph E. and Bashie (Higgenbothem) Smith. Louise was a longtime resident of the Arlington neighborhood in Jacksonville before retiring to Keystone Heights and making that her home for over 30 years. As a young mother, Louise stayed home to raise her two daughters and was a foster parent for several years. Once her daughters were school age, she began working for Pantry Pride as a cashier. She loved spending time with her family, she enjoyed cooking, crocheting, and playing cards with friends. Louise enjoyed socializing and spending time with her church family, particularly her Sunday School class. Before moving to Keystone Heights, Louise and her late husband assisted with starting churches in Jacksonville and she would often hold the church nursery out of their home until the churches were open. Lovingly called “G-ma” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Louise was always the one behind the camera taking pictures of not only her family but of her many friends. She became known for taking pictures at all church functions. Creating family traditions was important to Louise and she made sure to celebrate all holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and hosted large parties where everyone was invited. She never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand when needed, whether it was making soup for someone sick or just writing a note of encouragement. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of nearly 73 years James “Jim” Phillips and her granddaughter Shawn Ricketson. She is survived by two daughters Linda D. Sterling Reynolds (Wayne) of St. Augustine and Darlene Ricketson (Chris) of Jacksonville, a sister Joyce Specht of Brunswick, GA, grandchildren Chloe Ricketson, Dayvin Sterling and Gabriel Sterling, along with great-grandchildren Kayla, Jaxon, Henry, Zachary, Eliana, Arya, Michael, Sadie, and Clint, as well as a host of extended family members and friends. The family will receive friends Sunday, December 6, 2020, from 4-6 p.m. in the Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel. In accordance with CDC regulations and at the request of the family, please wear your face mask. Private graveside services will take place at Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1517, Keystone Heights, FL 32656. Arrangements are by JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. Walker Dr., Keystone Heights, FL 32656. (352)473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com