Margaret Kate Claiborne Phillips was born in Franklin, TN to the union of her parents the late Mr. Elmer Claiborne, and Mrs. Avie Irene Gardner Claiborne. Mrs. Phillips spent her childhood in Williamson County, TN; later in her young adult years she would marry her husband Mr. Roy Marvin Phillips on January 28, 1967 and the two would remain married until his passing. She and her husband would move to Clifton, TN where together they would raise their children setting deep roots in Wayne and Hardin County. Throughout her life she carried many responsibilities as she worked as a cook, store manager, along with various other positions, however she held no other occupation closest to her heart than the moments she cared for her family.
She was a member of the Mt. View Church of Christ in Savannah, TN teaching Sunday School throughout most of her adult life until her health no longer permitted it.
In her leisure time she enjoyed sewing, and quilting. She was a member of Home Demonstration Club, traveling locally demonstrating her home making skills to newly married couples.
Mrs. Margaret Kate Claiborne Phillips passed from this life at her home in Clifton, TN on September 13, 2026 making her earthly journey some 78 years and 4 months.
Those left to honor her memory include her sons Larry Phillips (Stacy) of Clifton, TN and James Phillips (Glenda) of Savannah, TN Ben Phillips (Angela) of Cypress Inn, TN; siblings Virginia Jackson of Shelbyville, TN and Thomas Claiborne of Columbia, TN; grandchildren Alexander Phillips, Dustin Ray, Justin White and Chris White; great grandchildren Rachel, Eli, Jameson and Jonathan; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of friends.
In addition to her parents and husband she is preceded in death by her siblings Robert Elmer Claiborne, James Claiborne, Shirley Hickman and Leon Claiborne
Funeral Services will be held Friday September 18, 2026 at the Mt. View Church of Christ in Savannah, TN at 2:00 pm with Tracey Love officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. View Church of Christ cemetery.
Visitation will begin Thursday September 17, 2026 from 4:30 pm till 8:00 pm at the Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation, LLC chapel in Savannah, TN and again on Friday September 18, 2026 from 11:00 am till 2:00 pm at the Mt. View Church of Christ in Savannah, TN.
