Elaine Colburn Phillips was born November 12, 1938, the third child of the late Raymond and Vator Colburn. She departed this life September 17, 2020.
She was converted and joined church at an early age. After moving to Tuscumbia, she joined Lesley Temple C.M.E. church where she served as the, Sunday School Teacher, Stewardess, and sung in the Choir. She joined Tennessee Valley Community Church where she continued to serve as Sunday school superintendent, adult Sunday school teacher, and Altar Lady. Even though she was a devoted Methodist, she joined Trinity Missionary Baptist Church where she worked faithfully until her death, where she was the Scholarship Team leader.
She worked for 36 years in Florence City School Systems. She began as a second-grade teacher at Webster Elementary School. After she attained her master’s in library science, she started her career as Librarian the second year Bradshaw High School was opened. She retired in 1996 but continued to work part time at Northwest Shoals for another 20 years in the library. Over the span of her career, she influenced many lives through her compassion, kindness, and giving heart. Her keen fashion sense and beloved sense of humor will be truly missed.
She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Cora Lee and Helen Colburn, as well as one nephew Michael Davis.
To cherish her memory: her loving and devoted husband of 55 years Edward W. Phillips, daughter Erica Corlane Phillips, Northport, AL; son Rodney Thompson, Florence, AL; one sister Jean Davis, Tuscumbia, AL; Three sisters-in-law: Ethel Mae Newsome, Muscle Shoals, AL, Sarah Gardner, Cleveland, OH, Francis Phillips, Muscle Shoals, AL; Two granddaughters Erica (Jamie) Thompson, Tuscaloosa, AL and Erin Thompson, Tuscaloosa, AL; One great-grandchild Preston Ann Thompson, Tuscaloosa, AL, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Special thanks to Pride Senior Care LLC owner April Chandler and Tiara Derrick who helped take care of Mrs. Phillips during her illness, along with her nieces Shelia and Gloria Bell and Hospice of North Alabama.
