Judith “Judy” Ann Phillips (née Sanders) passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2026. Born July 9, 1951, in Portsmouth, Ohio, Judith was a 1969 graduate of Portsmouth High School and attended Portsmouth Business College to start her career as a bookkeeper and bank teller before becoming a homemaker to care of her two daughters.
On June 10, 1978 she married Timmie Phillips in Wyse, Virginia. Together they built a life rooted in partnership and dedication to their family while later enjoying their retirement hobby of attending car shows and cruise-ins with their beautiful show cars throughout the years. Judy was particularly fond of their 1966 Ford Mustang GT convertible.
Judy devoted her life to her family and children. She believed that home was more than a place, it was a foundation. As a dedicated mother and homemaker, she created a space filled with warmth, structure, and encouragement. Her life’s work was raising her children not only with care, but with purpose and drive. She was their first teacher, one who read the earliest books aloud, practiced spelling words at the kitchen table, reviewed homework late into the evening, and modeled curiosity, discipline, and integrity. Education was not simply important to her; it was essential. Judith prioritized her children’s academic and professional pursuits, instilling in them a belief that learning opened doors and that perseverance made dreams possible.
She never missed a school event. From classroom parties and concerts to athletic games and practices, and award ceremonies, Judith was there — always present, enthusiastically supportive, and endlessly proud. Her attendance was never about obligation; it was about devotion. She understood that showing up mattered.
Judy was forever the party planner who made every birthday and holiday special, no matter if a national holiday or one created by Hallmark—there would be cake and themed plates for the celebration. She was the first in the car pickup line and forever the school party or field trip volunteer.
Her encouragement of her children did not end in childhood. As her children grew into adults, she remained their steady advocate and sounding board, celebrating every milestone and offering support during every challenge. Her greatest joy was watching them pursue their goals and build meaningful lives of their own, no matter how many miles separated them.
She is survived by her husband Timmie Phillips along with her daughters, Kristina Phillips and Jennifer Phillips Inoue. She is also survived by a sister Gloria “Jeanie” Davis. She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Ruth Sanders, and her father, Colonel William “Bill” Sanders. Judith’s legacy lives on in the values she instilled: the importance of education, the strength of family, the power of showing up, and the enduring impact of presence and encouragement.
The Phillips family would like to thank SOMC hospice staff, especially Mary and Trish for their level of compassion, care, and support. The family would also like to thank special friends Dave and Teri Pack for their years of friendship and care as well as Judy’s high school friend Terri Snedecor for her willingness to support Judy and Tim during the last months of her illness.
Funeral services will 1:00 PM Monday March 23, 2026 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with interment in Scioto Burial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday starting at 11:00 AM. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com.