Ola Fern Phillips, 76 of Sheridan, formally of Dermott, went to be with her Lord and Savior March 15, 2011. She was born April 21, 1934 in Center Point, Arkansas to Grisom and Ola Phillips. She spent her life serving others as a registered nurse for over 40 years and provided long-term care for her mother, Aunt Lucy, and cousin Shorty, as well as her sister Leona. After her retirement in 1997, she continued to serve through the Arkansas Baptist Convention Disaster Relief, Ronald McDonald House, Forest Tower Baptist Church Annie Armstrong Mission & Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, and others. Fern was a devoted Christian an active member of her church, Temple Baptist Church, in Dermott, AR, and most recently Forest Tower Baptist Church in Hensley, AR. She enjoyed traveling with her friends and went on numerous trips across North America.
She is proceeded in death by her parents; four brothers, Cleo Phillips, Audie Lee Phillips, Clifton Phillips and an infant brother Jackie, as well as her brother-in-law James Witherow, and nephews David Witherow and Andrew Witherow. Survived by her sister Leona E. Witherow of Sheridan, AR.; nephew and nieces, Barry and Donna Witherow of Center Ridge, AR., Karl and Karen Witherow of Houston, TX., Joan Witherow of Sheridan, AR, Marilyn Sites of Sheridan, AR, and many special great-nieces, great-nephews, a great-great niece, and a great-great nephew, cousins, and friends including Wynona Bradley of Russellville, AR and Susie & Carroll Sinyard of Russellville, AR.
Condolences(18)
Cherie Brown
Monticello, AR Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Having worked with Fern for several years at Drew Memorial Hospital, I knew her to be a very caring and competent nurse. She was very quiet and unassuming as she went about her duty of caring for others. She will be missed.Kandy Farmer
Monticello, AR Sunday, March 20, 2011 I worked with Ms. Fern at Drew Memorial Hospital. She always had a smile and a kind word, loved her patients, and took great care with them. She will be greatly missed.Ruth Clark
, LA Sunday, March 20, 2011 I trained Fern when she started working at St. Mary's she was a good friend and coworker. So sorry for your loss. Ruth Burchfield Clark.Wynona Bradley
Russellville, AR Friday, March 18, 2011 My dearest friend. I will miss her greatly but treasure the years of fun and adventure we shared.Melinda Mccone
Bryant, AR Friday, March 18, 2011 You were a wonderful friend to my Mom and Dad.clifton roberts
sheridan, AR Friday, March 18, 2011 miss fern was a very sweet lady . she will be greatly missed by all of us at forest tower baptist church..may GOD bless you all during this time in your life..Tarina
Ico, AR Friday, March 18, 2011 Ms. Fern was such a wonderful soul. She did her Godly work in WMU until the day she was unable to do it any longer. She was a wonderful example of staying in Lords work and I am Blessed to have known her.Tarina Goodwin
Forest Tower Baptist Church Member
Taylor and Mary Margaret Fuel
Clinton, AR Thursday, March 17, 2011 She meant a lot to us. We share in your sorrow.Terri Eubanks
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Mrs. Fern was a patient of mine for many years. I always enjoyed our visits together. She enjoyed getting to travel and I looked forward to each dental visit when she could fill me in on where she had been and where she was going next. May you all find comfort during your time of loss. Terri Eubanks, DDSDianne Herring
Dermott, AR Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Fern was a special person who was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her. My prayers are with you all at this time. Dianne HerringTemple Bap. AWM
Dermott, AR Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Fern was a very special person and she will be greatly missed. Our AWM group missed her when she moved to be with Leona, but we knew she was only a phone call away. We are so glad that we took the time to visit her a couple of weeks ago. We will continue to miss her as will all who knew her. Temple Baptist AWMKathy Downs Garcia
Dermott, AR Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Worked with Fern at Dermott Hospital when I graduated nurse's training in 1978. She was an excellent nurse, very professional and caring. Learned alot from her. Wonderful person. I know she will be missed. Prayers are with you.Lavern(Adams)Sturdevant
Dover, AR Wednesday, March 16, 2011 She was a very sweet person.. my mother worked with her for several years at St.Marys Hospital...She will be missed by all who knew her...Donna Kay Waldrup Odum
Heber Springs, AR Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Praying for all of you. Fern was a sweet lady.Kenneth & Lexa McMickle
Dermott, AR Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Fern was a very special lady to us. She will be greatly missed.Annette Townsel Standridge
McGehee, AR Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Fern was one of the sweetest people you would ever want to meet. A blessing to all who knew her.Delbert and Candy Sizemore
Dermott, AR Wednesday, March 16, 2011 A special neighbor of ours in Dermott for over 50 years...may she rest in peace of our Lord. She was such a kind,sweet lady. Our prayers for the family. Love from the Sizemore's and the Newton families.Kitty Wiscaver
, TX Tuesday, March 15, 2011 Coworker at Drew Memorial Hospital Home Health Enjoyed working with Fern