Debbie Johnson Phillips, 68

January 19, 1956 – May 20, 2024

On Monday morning, May 20, 2024, Debbie Johnson Phillips, 68, lifelong resident of Ripley, departed this life at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis following an extended illness.



Funeral Services honoring the life of Debbie will be at 11 AM Thursday, May 23 in The Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with Bro. Trey South and Bro. Bob Trotter officiating. Visitation will be from 5 PM to 8 PM Wednesday, May 22 and will continue from 9 AM to 11 AM Thursday, May 23. Burial will follow at Tippah Memorial Gardens.

Born January 19, 1956, in Tippah County, Debbie is the daughter of Sarah Hall Johnson of Ripley and the late John Daniel Johnson, Sr. She was a graduate of Ripley High School and continued her education at Northeast Mississippi Community College earning her Registered Nursing Degree. She was a valued employee of the Tippah County Hospital and Stern-Cardio for 39 years before her retirement in 2015.

A faithful member of Whittentown Baptist Church, Debbie will be remembered for her gracious and kind nature. She had a very generous heart, contagious smile and her biggest pleasure in life was always helping others and her community. A devoted wife, daughter, sister, and aunt, Debbie always put her family first and most important priority. She has left us with a life well lived, her legacy has been one of love, faithfulness to her Lord, her family and her friends and loved by many that she touched along her Journey. “Well done” good and faithful servant–Welcome Home.

In addition to her mother, loving memories will continue to be shared by her husband of 31 years, Earl Phillips, three brothers, Johnnie “Birdie” Johnson and Jeff “Double J” Johnson (Carolyn) and Robin Bradley Johnson, all of Ripley, her two fur babies (AKA The Girls), Bonnie and Darby and a host of nieces and nephews.

She is also preceded in death by a brother, Chris “Petey” Johnson and a nephew John Terry “J.T. Johnson.

The Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.