Georgia Louise Phillips (nee Swilley) went home to be with Jesus on May 3, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late John O. Phillips, Sr. who preceded her in death in July 2011. Georgia was born on April 21, 1934 in Portageville, MO to Cody and Mary Swilley. She was the sister of the late John Swilley, Cuba Higgerson, and Mary Hall.
Georgia and John were childhood sweethearts. They were married on September 4, 1951 and parents to John O. Phillips, Jr. (Pam), Peggy Vaughan (Ed), Joe Phillips (Karen) Susie Petru (late Frank Petru) Nancy Dixon (Tim) and Julie Weber (Tim). They were proud grandparents to Melissa, Jay (Robin), Eric, Quinn (Riley), Taylor (Dylan), Georgia (Blake), John (Allison), Gabriel, and great-grandparents to Eva, Ray, Jay Jr., Jackson, Jonah, Joshua, Kate, Gibson, Gracelynn and Matthew.
Georgia and John were dedicated servants of Jesus Christ. By example, they instilled in their family, and those around them, Jesus‘ command in Matthew 28:19 to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel”. As members of Southside Baptist Church for approximately 47 years, they were instrumental in the resettlement of hundreds of refugees from around the world. This became a “local” ministry, bringing the “world” to St. Louis. Their love of God was a daily lifestyle and will impact generations to come. Their legacy to the Phillips family as not only parents and grandparents, but as spiritual leaders, is immeasurable.
Georgia and John were truly shining lights to everyone who knew them. Georgia openly expressed to our family that she was excited to see Jesus and her beloved husband, John. We look forward to that wonderful reunion someday and our everlasting life together because of Jesus’ death on the cross.
Services: Visitation will be held at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, on Sunday, May 10, 2026 from 4:00-8:00 PM. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Canaan Baptist Church, 5409 Baumgartner Road, St. Louis, MO 63129 from 10:00 AM until time of funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment Park Lawn Cemetery.
As a son-in-law to Georgia, I can truly say she was both a spiritual and wonderful mother to our families and set a very loving and high standard of a Christian in our lives. As I’ve always told everyone, she was the best mother-in-law on the planet.
Ed Vaughan
Pastor of Senior Adults
Canann Baptist Church
I grew up with Johnny, Joe, Peggy & Susie from the time I was two years. I was always at the Phillips house. I loved every minute of it. Peggy & Susie & I had so much fun. Then came Nancy & Julie. The Phillips family is the best thing that ever happened to me. I love them all so much.
I could not have been more blessed in my life to have lived next door to Phillips family and Susie was my best friend. To know them is such a blessing. I went everywhere with them, church, family rides to Aunt Cuba’s where Peggy Susie & I got lost in town on our way home, so we stopped this lady driving and I said come on girls, she’s got groceries, she’s safe & she was, she took us back to Aunt Cuba’s. The best part of my life was being a part of the Phillips life. I love them all so much.
I am always happy to be a part of John and Georgia’s extended family. They invited people into their home with warm hearts and friendly smiles. I can still hear Georgia saying, “Hey Bootch”! We grew up with their family on Michigan Ave. She was a loving Mother and it reflects on how her family treats people. With love and respect. She taught her family to be good Christians. We will all miss her.