Lillian Phillips

Lillian Shelton Phillips, 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, September 9, 2014 in her hometown of Danville, VA. She was born on March 3, 1920, in Chatham, VA, the daughter of Samuel D. Shelton and Mary Ida Glenn Shelton. Lillian is lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, along with a host of friends and associates who shared her life. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Norman Milam and Julian Phillips; three sisters, Lorena S. Shelton, Louise S. Jones and Mary Lou Williamson; and three brothers, Richard Shelton, Perry Shelton and Stover Shelton, Sr. Lillian is the last of her immediate family who were rooted in the knowledge that God, family and country were life-long commitments, and she lived her life accordingly. As a child in the era of the Great Depression, Lillian gained an early understanding of the importance of hard work, independence and support to family and community. This philosophy was demonstrated in 1943 during World War II when she enlisted in the Women's Army Corp to, as she used to say, "do my part to support my Country and our brave soldiers." She served three years in North Africa and Italy working in combat conditions to provide support to the troops who she so dearly appreciated. This patriotic experience further enhanced her commitment to public service and her belief that independence includes support for family, church and country. Upon returning from the War, Lillian secured a position with the Virginia Employment Commission where she started as an entry level employee and, through hard work, moved to positions of increased responsibility during her 38 years of service. Throughout her career at the Commission, Lillian demonstrated a commitment to helping her fellow citizens to find employment that allowed them to become productive and independent citizens of Virginia. She retired from that effort knowing that she had done her best, a belief shared by thousands of Virginians who benefited from Lillian's commitment. In her retirement, Lillian enjoyed many different activities including support to her beloved Moffett Memorial Baptist Church. She was a huge baseball fan and loved traveling with family and friends, often coordinating trips to see Major League Baseball games, and especially Spring Training in Florida. She also loved playing cards and was always "available" when a deck of cards were being shuffled. Whether talking with old friends or meeting new friends, Lillian was always interested in learning about others, frequently ready with rapid-fire questions about one's family, health, career and future. Lillian lived her life as an independent, caring, patriotic and loving individual, always keeping the values of the Greatest Generation in her actions. She carries those values to her new home with the Lord where she will share eternity with her family and friends. We feel confident that there will be a ball game they can all watch together between card games. The family would especially like to thank the staff of Abingdon Place of Danville and Commonwealth Hospice for the love and care given to Lillian. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 12, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Moffett Memorial Baptist Church with the Reverend Steve Carlton and the Reverend Cameron Edgar officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Burial Park with Full Military Honors by the American Legion Dan River Post 1097. The family will receive friends at Townes Funeral Home on Thursday, September 11, 2014 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.