Lucille Callaway Phillips

Lucille Callaway Phillips, 88, of Mount Ida, Arkansas passed away July 2, 2019. She was born on her daddy’s birthday in 1930. She is preceded in death by her parents; William Garland Callaway and wife Fae Greeson Callaway, her brother Howard Callaway and wife Delores Glazier Callaway, and her sister Vikki Callaway Milloway and husband Milburn Milloway. Lucille was married twice in her life. She is preceded in death by each husband; David Steele and Jack Phillips. Lucille is survived by her brother; Buggs Callaway and wife Frances Tucker Callaway, and her sons; Jonathan Steele and Phillip Phillips, along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends and former students.

Lucille was a lifelong teacher of children and adults. She earned advanced degrees at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas in education and business administration. She was a Certified Public Accountant. She was a master at shorthand dictation and typing. Lucille, as a single mom working 35 hours a week, completed a 4 year degree at Henderson University in 3 years. She graduated Valedictorian of her class.

Lucille is a Christian lady and was a lifelong member at First Baptist Church in Mount Ida, Arkansas. She was a Sunday school teacher and then church secretary and treasurer. She witnessed with words and deeds. As a high school teacher she volunteered as the newspaper (The Lions Roar) editor and publisher, and the yearbook editor in chief. She also lead the Beta Club. She was treasurer for the Montgomery County Republican Committee. She volunteered at the Heritage House Museum of Montgomery County, transcribing hand written history into typed digital documents. She taught night school classes to immigrants and hosted foreign exchange students in her Mount Ida home on 3 separate occasions. In 1982 Lucille decided if she did not soon have a grand adventure she would quickly be too old to do so. She and her 14 year old son, Phillip, loaded up their Toyota pick-up (with a camper shell) and headed north to Alaska on their grand adventure. Lucille stayed until she retired 13 years later, and Phil has not returned yet.

Out of all these things which this brilliant and beautiful mother has accomplished, Lucille is best defined by her faith. In good times and terrible times her faith is her guiding light. As her mind and her body progressively failed her, she faced death with a calm knowledge and certainty of her eternal salvation. That glorious light which has always comforted and guided her has never flickered. Nor will it.

Lucille chose to be cremated. Her ashes will be spread on her parent’s grave site at Golden Cemetery in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Memorial services will be held September 17, 2019 at 11:00 at the First Baptist Church in Mount Ida, AR. Arrangements were made under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com