Mother Julia Waters Phillips was born December 13, 1925 in Elba, AL to the Late Oscar and Analiza Coleman. She joined Greater Bethel AME at an early and was an active member.

She served as the faithful Church Mother, taught Sunday school, held positions on the Missionary, Stewards and Trustees Boards. She later joined St. John AME during her stay in Huntsville, AL.
Mother Phillips graduated from the Elba Colored School in 1943. She was employed by Wise's Cleaners for many years, and worked at the Elba Hospital and Nursing Home until retirement.

Mother Phillips, affectionally known as "MaMa" or "Muffin" was loved by all who encountered her. She touched so many lives and was Mama Julia to so many!

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Frank Phillips, Sr; Parents, Oscar and Analiza Coleman; Sisters, Alene Nelson and Pallie Thomas; Brothers, Leroy and Donald Waters; Children, Ann Phillips Willis, John Frank Phillips, Jr. and Elder Elsie Phillips Copes.

She leaves to those who will forever cherish her memory and legacy; Son, Rev. Paul Phillips (Dorothy) Enterprise, AL, Daughter-in-law, Helen Phillips, Elba, AL, Grandchildren, Deidra Willis, Huntsville, AL, Michael Phillips (Tammy) Atlanta, GA, Paula Elliard (Maurice), Meridianville, AL, Vonda Horstead, Montgomery, AL, James Willis, II (Shalane) Mandeville, LA, Kenya Adkins, Elba, AL, Bryce Phillips, Elba, AL, Kayla Harrison (Christopher), Elba, AL and Roneene Brown, Baton Rouge, LA; Two sisters-in-law, Catherine Darby, Palm Coast, FL, Doris Waters, Elba, AL, Brother-in-law, Walter Thomas, Montgomery, AL and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and special friends.