Esther Thomas Phillips

Asheville Esther Thomas Phillips, 92, of Asheville and formerly of Pleasant Grove and Corner, Alabama passed away Thursday, June 29, 2006 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Hospice Solace Center. She was born September 24, 1913 to the late Alvin and Maude Caldwell. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Ray Thomas who passed away in November of 1963, her second husband, William Phillips who passed away in 1971 and her three sisters, Lessie Smith, Jeanette Press and Ruth Merritt. She was a member of New Temple Baptist Church in Corner, AL before moving to Asheville six years ago to live with her daughter. She was a faithful member of Biltmore Baptist Church in Arden. Esther enjoyed Gardening, sewing, crocheting and reading. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister and friend. She was dearly loved by everyone who knew her and she will be greatly missed. Surviving are her daughter, Marjorie Kelley and husband, Glen of Asheville; two sons, John Thomas and wife, Annette of Daphne, AL and Mack Thomas and wife, Brenda of Jasper, AL; three step-children, Bobbie Smith and Sue Bush of Corner, AL and the Rev. Bill Phillips of Oakman, AL; 6 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, 13 great- grandchildren; 8 great step-grandchildren, one great great grandchild; sister, Lucille Woods of Oakman, AL; brother, Travis Caldwell of Tuscaloosa, AL, several nieces and nephews and a host of friends and neighbors. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Ian Walker officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following services at the funeral home. A second service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Collins-Burke Funeral Home in Jasper, AL with the Revs Bill Phillips and Shane Madison officiating. Memorials may be made to: Biltmore Baptist Church Building Fund or to the church of your choice or to Mountain Area Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813..