Sara Frances Phillips

Sara Frances Anderton Phillips, of Warrior, Alabama, passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 91. Ms. Phillips was born to John and Velma Hunter Anderton on January 18, 1934, in Cullman County, Alabama.

Sara was a Fairview High School alumnus who went on to succeed in various endeavors throughout her ninety-one years. She attended college where she took an interest in several fields of study, including interior decorating, English and math. Along the way, she worked as a veterinary technician with a tremendous love of animals, a bookkeeper in the construction industry, a seamstress in the garment industry, and she even found time to work, alongside close friends, at her local Jack’s restaurant for a time. Later, she helped found and operate a successful family business in the field of welding inspection alongside her husband, son, and grandson.

Sara and her husband were devoted members of Duck Creek Missionary Baptist Church, where they enjoyed worshipping with their family and friends. They enjoyed ballroom dancing in their free time and were active members in their community. Sara’s adventurous spirit led her all over the United States and beyond: she loved to pack up the car and go, and she spent years driving her husband and family on countless work and school trips that took them nearly everywhere the car could drive, from mountains to deserts to beaches, from New York City to the Grand Canyon, and to more states than anyone ever remembered to tally. She was happy behind the wheel and earned her longtime family nickname, “Hot Rod Granny.” She took up water skiing in her 50’s (a skill that came naturally to her and led her all over Smith Lake), and she had a passion for mowing her lawn that few could rival. Her playful spirit was a gift—she was always up for a competitive game night, and she loved to laugh no matter what the occasion. And in the mornings, when it was time to get up, she would always be up too, waiting to greet you with a smile—and with a nice hot cup of coffee.

Sara loved her family fiercely and without reserve. She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife and mother, as well as a nurturing and adoring grandmother and great-grandmother. She stood by her family through the best times and the hardest ones, and she believed in each and every one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with all her heart. As her health began to fail her, she knew the love of her family as they cared for her, and she loved them with the same adoration that she had always bestowed upon them. Even in her darkest days, the promise of seeing her great-grandchildren was enough to put a smile on her face. She was able to find strength with the hope of seeing her loved ones in mind.

Sara is preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Robert Duane Phillips; daughter, Paula Joy Fields; and siblings, Imogen Arbin, Hoyt Bernard “Bonn” Anderton, Mary Helen Kelsoe, William Seburn “Shorty” Anderton, James Marvin Anderton, and Velma Joan Shauger.

Those left to cherish Sara’s memory include her son, John Robert Phillips, and his wife, Sandra Lynn Phillips; grandchildren, Gary Shane Fields, Shannon Joy Fields; great-grandchildren, Garrett Shane Fields, Sara Jewell Fields, Cahaba Duane “Little Bob” Fields; sister, Hilda Ann Peigler; dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Shin and family; a host of nieces and nephews; and her little dog, Boo-Boo.

Friends are invited to join the family for a time of visitation on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Sara’s beloved church home, Duck Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. with funeral services following at 2:00 p.m., David Wisener officiating. Ms. Phillips will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery following services where friends and family will serve as pallbearers.

Sara’s legacy of love and dedication for those she cherished will be remembered for generations to come.

Ms. Phillip's obituary was written with love by her granddaughter, Shannon.

Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to serve the Phillips family.