Our precious mother, Mrs. Jennie Ruth McSwain-Phillips, passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021 in Shelby, NC at Atrium Health Cleveland. Mrs. Phillips was an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother who dedicated herself to her family. Jennie Ruth McSwain-Phillips was born May 24, 1931 in Boiling Springs, NC to the late William McSwain and Gertrude Surratt-McSwain. Mrs. Phillips was married to the late Fletcher W.H. Phillips.
Mrs. Phillips attended Green Bethel High School and worked as a Caregiver for many years She was a devoted and faithful member of Green Bethel Baptist Church and then years later she joined New Ellis Baptist Church. Mrs. Phillips loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, friends, and gardening in her yard. She had some of the most beautiful flowers and arrangements. She loved cooking big meals for the holidays and to those who are less fortunate.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Ruth Ann Ross, two sisters, Lessie McSwain-Black, and Geraldine McSwain-Carson and 5 brothers Wilbert McSwain, James McSwain, Ralph McSwain, Clinton McSwain, and William Arthur McSwain.
She is survived by her two children, Lessie Jeanette Phillips, Debbie Phillips-Johnson (Michael-deceased), son-in-law Leroy Ross and a special niece Evangelist Linda Harden. Besides her children, Mrs. Phillips is also survived by her grandchildren Gerod King (Kathy), Perry King (Freda), Myron Ross (Melissa), LaSonya Curtiss (James), Fletcher Ramseur (Cynthia), Delisha Byrd (Dereck), Jessica Johnson (Corey), Deaundra McDowell (Brodrick), Stephanie Johnson and Michael Johnson; one aunt from Cleveland, Ohio Janet Thurman and several great-grands, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Phillips will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 1:00 PM at S. T. Enloe Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park in Boiling Springs. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 PM on Monday, October 11th from 12 to 1 p.m.at the chapel. The family will receive friends and family at 2wheel Syndicate Motorcycle Club 1700 Charles Rd. Shelby, NC 28152. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for your thoughts and prayers for The Phillips Family.
Grandma, I remember you telling me you always be thinking about all of your grands, which kept you going for so long on this earth, through all the pain, suffering, happiness, and joy. I'm glad and proud to be your granddaughter because you were a beautiful, strong, smart, creative, and cheerful giver and you always made me feel special in your present. I'm happy that you're no longer suffering on this earth. My offspring and I will celebrate your life by remembering you and sharing what you taught us and the stories you've told us. Love you Grandma!!!
Your Second Granddaughter,
DeLisha McDowell-Byrd
Sending our condolences and prayers during this difficult time. Contina Strong Hopper
Praying for you and your family Debbie, My Dear Sister in Christ and I am sorry for the lost of your Lovely Mother.
Sister Priscilla Clark Charlotte, NC
Aunt Jennie Ruth I don't even know where to begin. First of all you will be missed by everyone that loved you. I prayed so hard for your healing but GOD had a better plan. Even though we never got the opportunity to meet just always talking to you over the phone felt like I had already knew you.I was so looking forward to you getting better and coming with Jeannette up to visit. I'll always remember all the encouraging words that you had given me.I still remember all the fun conversations that we all would have late at night. Even though I call you my Aunt a part of you will always hold a special place in my heart β€οΈ Rest In Paradise My Sweet Ange. Phil and I will truly Miss You.πβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈπ
Prayers for comfort & peace during this time! Beverly Bebee Jones
My loving Grandmom words can't express the loss I feel. You are one of the most strongest women I've ever known. You never missed any special events in my life from graduations to celebrates, you were always there, cheering me on and showing me how much you care. You showed my children (your great grands) just as much love. The love you gave me, and the lessons you've taught are unimaginable. From my first bottle of nail polish, to my first pair of high heel shoes, you made sure I was classy just like you. I've watched you give the clothes off your back, and a warm meal to strangers in need. Life hasn't been easy but you treasured the journey. I will miss hearing your voice, feeling your hugs, telling me I'm right when you know I'm wrong and those lip popping kisses as you leave traces of red lipstick on my cheek. You lived a life that is admirable, and alI I can say is Grandmom "Well done". RIP, love you with every ounce of my soul. I pray I've made you proud until me meet again, your oldest grand daughter.
My Momma was a good mother. She told me so much that i want never forget you and momma. You are all way in my heart. Momma RIP WITH RUTH ANN RIPπ
Grandma I remember you telling me you always be thinking about all of your grands, which kept you going for so long on this earth, through all the pain, suffering, happiness, and joy. I'm glad and proud to be your granddaughter because you were beautiful, strong, smart, creative, careful giver and always made me feel special in your present. My offspring and I will celebrate your life by remembering you and sharing what you taught us and stories you've told us. Love you Grandma π
The heart remembers most what it has loved best. May the memories of your loving mother comfort you in all the days ahead. I wish all of you peace, blessings, and love.
Your Cousin Piccola Etchison
To The family of Ms. Jennie Ruth Phillips: So sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful mom always with that beautiful smile . Such a beautiful lady with a kind spirit. She shall truly be missed may God give the family peace, love, joy and comfort through this time of sadness. Heaven has definitely gained another angel. Jeanette and Debbie, may God give you and your family strength to adjust afterwards and may peace always be with you all. Prayers of righteousness, ππππβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈLove Jackie Hopper of Kingstown NC
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Jennie Ruth! I have known her all of my life and have fond memories of times spent with her (& Ruth Ann RIP). My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Love & blessings, Kassandra (Sandy) Love Watsonπ
Sis. Phillips was always so loving and kind to me. I admired her beauty inside and out! I will always cherish her memory and beautiful smile. Bishop Sharon Martin & Family
I extend my sincere condolences during this time of great loss. I will continue to cherish the times spent with my great aunt, admiring her sense of fashion and most certainly her love for family. May she Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory. You are in my prayers. Reverend Lucille Mechelle Jamerson-Myers and Rufus Myers
My mother will truly be missed! She was strong and we grown up to learn how to respect people and work hard to reach our goals in life! My mom said always depend on God and not people!β€ People will let you down but God will never let you down or leave you! God is good all the time and all the time God is good!β€ Love you more than u ever know mom Your youngest daughter Mrs. Debbie Johnson πππ₯π
I will always remember my Aunt Jennie Ruth with Love and Gratitude for making sure we visited our father Wilbert. Aunt Jennie Ruth was a wonderful, caring Aunt that we will always treasure and keep her in our hearts forever. RIP my Beautiful Auntie, Lovingly your Niece, Frances McSwain Leach
We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers. We will remember the glad times spent together. Lovingly, Marie McSwain Jamerson Family!
I offer my sincere condolences to my cousins. We Always appreciated the love Aunt Jennie had for her brother Wilbert's children. We will cherish her memories in our hearts forever. May God bless the family and comfort you all during this time. William McSwain and Family.
I'm glad we got a new start I had forgave you and it gave me peace of mind and you will be truly missed. Love, Emma
Warren and Sandra give our deepest sympathy
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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