Frances Wilkie Phillips

Frances Rae Wilkie Phillips, 87 of Sanford passed away Wednesday evening, February 4, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 3pm Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Cool Springs Baptist Church. The family will greet friends following the service.

Frances was born March 15, 1938 in Sanford, daughter of the late David Aubrey Wilkie and Mary Alice Womble Wilkie. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Charles E. “Bucky” Phillips as well as brother, Carl Wilkie; sisters in law, Thelma Wilkie, Glenda Wilkie, Edna Kate Durham, Frances Crowson, Bobbie Jean Atkins, Naomi Perry, and Ann Womack; maternal grandparents Whitney Gordon Womble and Memma Frances Thomas Womble; and paternal grandparents William Vance Wilkie and Lenora Matthews Wilkie Utley.

Frances graduated from Greenwood High School and Sanford Business College. Frances loved her family and enjoyed any time spent with them. Frances was a true servant to her family, her church, and her community. She began playing the piano in the church at a young age and later played the organ in worship services for East Sanford Baptist Church. She was the organist at Cool Springs Baptist Church. In addition to sharing her musical talents, she served in Mission Groups, Sunday School, and various other committees. Frances also served her community. Her card ministry demonstrated her love and dedication to serving others. She regularly visited and shared her love of God and music to those in assisted living centers, hospitals and homes. She loved teaching piano lessons to children and also to adults. She shared her singing and played the organ for over 50 years for church services. She also enjoyed sewing, painting invitations, crafts, and cooking for her family and friends. Frances worked for 25 years with Lee County Social Services and later a few years with Lee County Schools.

Her favorite Bible verse was “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” Philippians 1:21.

Mrs. Phillips is survived by her daughter, Joy Phillips Thompson; son, David Anderson Phillips (Carla); grandchildren, Phillip Thompson and Zach Thompson and Summer and Aaron Gilmore; brother, Charles Wilkie; many nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses as well as our friends, neighbors, and church community for their care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kent Bullard Memorial Educational Fund at Cool Springs Baptist Church, or the Foundation of FirstHealth, Clara McLean Home, 150 Applecross Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or First Health Hospice.