Lena McNeill Phillips

Lena McNeill Phillips, a cherished resident of Lynchburg, South Carolina, peacefully departed this world on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on Friday, October 27, 1939, in the rustic setting of Sumter County, SC, Lena radiated warmth and wisdom throughout her richly-lived life.

Lena was a distinguished graduate of Winthrop College, where she majored in what was then known as Mathematical Science (now known as Computer Science), a testament to her pioneering spirit and intellectual prowess. Her career began at Lockheed Martin, Atlanta, GA, where she made a mark before returning to her true calling: educating young minds. As an esteemed educator, Lena touched countless lives, fostering knowledge and nurturing dreams in the community she dearly loved.

Lena was united in marriage with Carl Osteen Phillips, and together they cultivated a life filled with adventure and shared faith. Their shared love for travel and devotion to their church enriched their days together, and Lena continued to be an active and beloved member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church community.

She is survived by her two devoted sons, John Hector (Jennifer) Phillips of Turbeville, and Wesley Phillips of Goose Creek. Her legacy is carried on by her grandchildren, Ellena Phillips and William Phillips, who brought immense joy to her life. Lena also leaves behind her treasured sister, Margaret Phillips, a special cousin, Julie Ann Reynolds, and numerous cherished neighbors and friends, who were as dear as family.

Lena was preceded in death by her beloved parents, John Hector and Ellena Rodgers McNeill, her loving husband, Carl Osteen Phillips, and her dear sisters, Martha Ann Gibbons, and Mary Beth Mixon.

In celebration of her life, a funeral service will take place at 2 PM on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Rev. James Melton and Mr. Patrick Priest officiating. Prior to the service, a visitation will be held from 1 to 2 PM in the gymnasium of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Those who will honor her memory by serving as pallbearers include Eddie Phillips, Bruce Phillips, Wimberly Mixon, Danny Reynolds, Kenny Reynolds, and Blake Gibbons.

The Phillips family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be directed to the Building Fund at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 1000 Pleasant Grove Road, Lynchburg, SC 29080, as a tribute to Lena's unwavering faith and commitment to her church family.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Welch, the Amedysis Hospice staff, the Gardens of Sumter, and a special friend, Rhonda Evans, who cared for and nurtured their mom.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Floyd Funeral Home, 136 E. Main Street, Olanta, SC. For more information, friends and family may contact (843) 396-4470 or visit www.floydfuneral.com.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we celebrate her enduring spirit, her boundless compassion, and the many lives she has inspired. Lena McNeill Phillips will be forever loved and remembered by all those who were blessed to know her.