Joann Phillips

Joann Delaine Starnes Phillips, age 92, of Cayce, SC, passed away peacefully at her home on July 7, 2025. Born on July 15, 1932, in Landis, NC, she was the daughter of the late Eli Worth and Josephine Aycock Starnes. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, LT Phillips; her brothers Worth, Marler, and Gerald; and her sister, Janie. Mrs. Phillips attended A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, NC, where she met the love of her life, LT Phillips. They were married on May 10, 1947, and shared a devoted marriage of 70 years, 2 months, and 13 days until Mr. Phillips's passing in 2017. After living in Kannapolis, they moved to Orangeburg, SC, in 1964 and later settled in Cayce in 1966.

Mrs. Phillips worked as a Trust Tax Officer with Wachovia Bank, overseeing Trust and Estate tax preparations for one-third of the state of South Carolina. She retired in 1990 after a distinguished career. A faithful follower of Jesus Christ, Mrs. Phillips was a dedicated member of Cayce Presbyterian Church (Associate Reformed Presbyterian) for over 40 years. She served as President of the Women’s Ministries, chaired various committees, and provided ongoing support to the church community. She also worked closely with Bethany Christian Services and, alongside her husband, found great joy volunteering at Camp Joy, held at Bonclarken in Hendersonville, NC. She truly embodied the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman.

She is survived by her children: Larry Phillips, Tony (Diane) Phillips, Debra Tagliaferri, Cheryl (Sandy) Smith, and Jeff (Alyson) Phillips; 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 3 great- great-grandchildren; her brother, Gary Starnes; and her sister, Rachel Mincey. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to caregiver Tabatha Davis, as well as to family friend and caregiver Lisa Durney, for their loving care and support.
The family will receive friends and loved ones for visitation Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 7p- 9p, at Moseley Funeral & Cremation Service, 914 Meeting Street, West Columbia, SC 29169. 

A Funeral Service to honor Joann’s life will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 11am, at Cayce Presbyterian Church, 1600 Summerland Drive, Cayce, SC 29033.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
- Cayce Presbyterian Church, Attention: Missionary Fund, 1600 Summerland Drive, Cayce, SC 29033
- Bonclarken Conference Center, 500 Pine Drive Flat Rock, NC 28731