Joann Evelyn Phillips

Joann E. (Fikes) Phillips, age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in South Bend, Indiana. She was born on January 19, 1935, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to the late Claude and Leadia (Hawkins) Fikes.

Joann was united in marriage to Wiley Phillips Jr., whom preceded her in death in 1996. Together they built a large and loving family. Joann’s life was defined by the devotion she had for each of her loved ones. Family was everything to her. She was the heart of every gathering, especially her cherished Sunday dinners, where she was known for her famous macaroni and cheese and her unforgettable peach pie. Also, she was one of the main planners of the Phillip/Townsend family reunions.

A hardworking and dedicated woman, Joann retired after 20 years of service at the University of Notre Dame. She took pride in her work and formed many lasting friendships throughout her career.  Joanne Evelyn Phillips legacy will continue to shine through the many lives she touched, the lessons she shared, and the love she gave so freely.

Those who knew Joanne will remember her determination, her strong will, heartfelt compassion, and her passion for giving advice and her creative ideas.  She lived with a love of life and cherished her family.  Her commitment to God and family never wavered.  Joanne and Uncle Bud (Junior) would always win the Family Reunion Award for having the most children, it delighted their hearts.

Joann is survived by her children whom she cherished: Michael Johnson, Bettina Harris, Sandra (Orlando) Johnson, Jacelyn (Anthony) Williams, Nancy Anderson, Kimberly (Kenny) Johnson, Patricia (Michael) Henderson, Jerome Phillips, Cheryl Phillips, Michael Phillips, and Wiley Phillips. She also leaves behind a host of 59 grandchildren, 148 great-grandchildren and 72 great-great grandchildren who will forever carry her love in their hearts.

She is further survived by her siblings: Susan (Alejandro) Branch, Mattie Collins, Norman (Faye) Fikes, Ken (Gloria) Fikes, Andre Fikes, Michael (Stephanie) Fikes, and Cecil Collins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wiley, her parents, sisters, Michelle Fikes and Lula Belle Collins-Browning and sons, Dale Smith, James Phillips, Brian Phillips, Larry Phillips, Terance Phillips, June Vic Thompson and Kenny Thompson. Daughters, Regina Clark and Thomsena Jones

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at New Horizon Outreach Ministry, 56165 Mayflower Road, South Bend, IN. A committal service will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery in South Bend.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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