Barbara Ann Rickard Phillips of Florence, age 73, passed away at home December 27, 2025, after a lengthy illness which limited her mobility but never limited her smile, kindness, and love for others. She passed from this life into the arms of her Savior Jesus where she is now healed forever. Visitation and funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Williams Funeral Home, Florence, Alabama. Visitation will be 9:30 -11:00 AM with the funeral following at 11:00 AM in the chapel with burial to follow in the cemetery at Mt. Zion Church of Christ. Brother Sonny Owens will be officiating.
Barbara was preceded in her passing by her parents Bobby and Norma Smith Rickard, sister-in-law Cindy Rickard, and brother-in-law Randy Calhoun.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 53 years Jimmy Phillips who cared for her while assisted by family and friends during her entire period of illness. Jimmy would often say, “Look at her. She is so pretty!”
Barbara is survived by their sons Jonathan and wife Samantha Phillips, and Jason and wife LeAnn Phillips. Also surviving are their dear grandchildren Dalton (wife Alyssa), Zoie, Jaele, Jase, and Jake Phillips. In addition, Barbara is survived by siblings Bobby Rickard, Jr., Brian Rickard, (wife Wanda), and Bonnie Rickard Calhoun.
Barbara also leaves many others to remember her: nieces and nephews, the Phillips family, friends, and church members. But she especially leaves her special and life-long friend Debra Balentine Wilson.
Barbara was a really wonderful Christian lady, being a life-long member at Mt. Zion Church of Christ. She was an excellent seamstress and quilter being a member of the Quilting Guild. Her many other talents included music, baking, painting, and craft-making. Barbara could really do it all!
Jimmy, along with his children & grandchildren, are thankful for caregivers Sue, Sandra, Annette, niece Vickie, especially Rebecca, and groundskeeper Dub. Excellent care was also given by North Alabama Hospice staff, nurse Lisa, and bath aide Lisa.
Serving as active pallbearers are Dalton Phillips, Ramey Calhoun, Richie Calhoun, Heath Rickard, Ben Wilson, and Tony Wilson.
Honorary pallbearers are grandchildren Zoie, Jaele, Jake, and Jase.
