Rebecca Philips Obituary in Florence at Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Obituary For Rebecca Philips

Funeral service for Rebecca Phillips will be conducted 11 AM Saturday, June 8, 2019 at J.O. & Annette Smith Memorial Chapel, 307 S. Johns St., Florence. Interment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC

Rebecca “Big Sister” Phillips was born September 21, 1930 in Durham, North Carolina to the late Harry Phillips and Beatrice Waring Phillips. On Friday, May 31, 2019 at the age of 88, she fell asleep in death.

Rebecca was raised in Florence County, South Carolina and attended Public School at Tans Bay School in Effingham, South Carolina. As a young person, she took good care of her siblings and was called "Big Sister" a name that she carried throughout her life.

Rebecca relocated to New York City, there she worked on various jobs. She was a diligent worker and took her jobs seriously. She worked as custodian at Columbia University for 35 years before she retired.

Rebecca enjoyed doing community work in her neighborhood of Manhattan, New York. She loved to travel and was an avid shopper and loved to dress. She loved her family and would stay in contact with them and invited them to certain events that she would host.

Unfortunately because of her failing health Rebecca returned to Florence, South Carolina, where her sister Leila took care of her until the end of her fulfilling life.

Rebecca was one of nine children and in addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by four brothers, Frank Phillips, Isaac Phillips, Johnny Phillips and Henry Philips; and one sister, Hattie Mae Thomas.

Rebecca is survived by her three sisters, Maime Phillips of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lillie Grant of Florence, South Carolina and Leila Hines of Florence, South Carolina: two sisters-in-law, Delores Phillips of Florence, South Carolina and Bernice Phillips of Florence, South Carolina; one brother-in-law, Eugene Thomas of Springfield, New York and a host of nephews; nieces; cousins; and other family members

The family will receive friends at 3205 E. Skylane Dr., Florence.

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We’re so sorry to hear you are suffering the loss of your dear loved one. Although it can feel overwhelming, we hope you can find strength and some comfort in the words found in Nahum 1:7 which reads: ”Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of distress. He is mindful of those seeking refuge in him.” Our loving God also has made the provision of a resurrection RIGHT HERE ON EARTH when it is restored into a beautiful paradise (Acts 24:15; Isaiah 55:11). Can you see imagine your dear loved one coming back to life? Find out more about this resurrection online at jw.org R&R Lopez

God strengthens us by giving us "the power beyond what is normal" to make it through each passing day. Psalm 46:1 says: "God is our refuge and strength, a help that is readily found in times of distress." Isaiah 12:2 assures us that God is our "strength" and our "might." Please accept my sincere condolences. Always remember God loves you and he cares for you! (Psalm 36:7; 1 Peter 5:7)

So very sorry to hear about your loss. My condolence to you and your family. What a comfort to know that God does not cause death at this time. Ecclesiastes 9:11. Remember, " Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in Heaven, also on Earth ." Matthew 6:10 ; Daniel 2:44. This is a government that is coming soon, that Jesus said to pray for. He will make the Earth a paradise in the future. No more sickness, pain, tears, mourning, we will be young again , and no more death. The dead will live again here on Earth. Act 24: 15; Job 14: 14,15; Revelation 21:3,4 ; Isaiah 26:19; Job 24:15; Psalms 37:11,29; I am praying for strength beyond normal for you, and comfort for you and your family. Please look up all scriptures and you will see all is true. For more comfort and everything is free. Because it comes from God not man. Email me at: kathy122346@gmail.com For more on to cope with grief, or why we die?