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); 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, Gracelynn, 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.
Visitation will be held at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Sunday, May 10, 2026 from 4-8 PM. Service, Monday, May 11, 2026 at Canaan Baptist Church, 5409 Baumgartner Road, St. Louis, MO 63129 Visitation 10-11 with service to follow immediately at 11:00 AM. Interment Park Lawn Cemetery