Selena Rachelle, 51, of Florence, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2023 following a hard-fought battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by family at the time of her passing, and friends— near and far – were holding her in their hearts.
Selena was born on April 30, 1972 in Logan, Utah. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington D.C. in 1990 and received a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in Community Counseling from the University of North Alabama.
Selena was a fierce advocate for those who were marginalized and oppressed. She was a dedicated ally to members of the LGBTQ+ community, a strong voice for anti-racism, and a devoted dog mom to many furry friends. She served as Victim Services Coordinator and Counselor for Rape Response in Florence, Alabama for seven years, and as a Quality Improvement Director for community mental health agencies in the Washington, D.C. area over the past decade.
Selena was incredibly special. Those of us who were lucky enough to be part of her orbit will always remember her infectious laughter, wicked sense of humor, and intense generosity. Selena was brilliant and decisively caring. She was the best receiver of gifts, no matter how big or small, and she loved all things sparkly and pink. She was silly, witty, deeply compassionate, and absolutely terrible at keeping secrets. Selena was stubborn in the best way possible, fueling her advocacy for those treated unfairly. She was generous and empathetic to her core, prone to tears at the sight of others in pain. She showed up for the people she loved and valued her friends and family more than anything. The world is lonelier and dimmer without her love and her light.
Selena left behind many loved ones who will miss her beyond measure, including her mother, Madoline Clemmons; brothers, Sam Clemmons, Christopher Phillips, and Robert Phillips, Jr.; sister, Angela Phillips; Aunt, Stephanie C. Brown; Uncle, Horace Clemmons (Elizabeth); cousins, Alesia Adams and Barbara Dawson; cousin, Jason Clemmons; nephews, Gabriel Clemmons and Craig Scully-Clemmons; beloved dog, JoJo; and a chosen family of dear friends: Megan Williams and wife Lisa Walker, Sophia Calliham, Symphony Keeton, and Leni Geissel.
Selena was predeceased by her beloved Grannie, Estella Clemmons; grandfather, James Horace Clemmons; father, Robert L. Phillips, Sr., and many beloved pets, including Mustard, Marty, Monster, Isabelle, Poot, and Kabuki.
Arrangements for Selena’s celebration of life are forthcoming.
