Annie "Anne" Lee Hayes Phillips transitioned peacefully from labor to reward on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at Oak Forest Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Born on November 28, 1930 in Winston-Salem, N.C., she was preceded in death by her parents, John and Rosa Covington Hayes; her sister, Viola Glenn; and her brother, John Washington.

Educated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, Anne graduated from Atkins High School in 1949.  She was employed by Anchor Department Store (first African-American Sales Clerk), Fairchild Hiller Corporation, Sears, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System, and retired from R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.  After retirement, Anne was employed by Winston-Salem State University, Police Department.  Anne had a second career as a Teacher's Assistant in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System for many years.  This position was her ministry, where she nurtured and loved her students. Because of her dedication to the students and the schools she served, she was asked to work almost every day, and offered permanent positions.

Anne was married to the late Robert B. Phillips, Jr. (divorced) and from this union four children were born: Cheryl D. Taylor, Michael W. Phillips (deceased), Renée L. Phillips and Andre B. Phillips (Vickie).  She was the proud grandmother of Mario Coleman (Sarah), Justin Taylor (Tanya) and Ana Rice; and two great grandchildren, Logan and Gavin Coleman; several nieces and nephews, Godchildren, and "adopted" children.

Professing her faith and accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, Anne was an active member at Hanes Memorial C.M.E. Church where she served as a Trustee; Local President of the Missionary Society, as well as Treasurer on both the District and Connectional Levels; Adult Advisor to the Mattie E. Coleman Junior Missionary Society;  Chair of the Board of Christian Education; Sunday School Teacher; and sang in the Senior Choir.  Anne transferred her membership to St. John C.M.E. Church and remained a member until she passed. While at St. John, she continued her involvement in the Missionary Society and Board of Christian Education; served as a Trustee; and was instrumental in creating and chairing the Annual "Friends and Family Day," as well as the Annual Male Chorus Concert. As a Breast Cancer Survivor, Anne sponsored the Breast Cancer Awareness Program in the month of October until failing health prevented her from doing so.

Anne's commitment to her community included: working at the local Election/Polling Precincts; membership in the National Black Repertory Company, where she volunteered at The National Black Theatre Festival; she was very active in the Urban League Guild, where she was the top ticket seller when the Guild sponsored the Ebony Fashion Fair; and Sister Speaks Cancer Support Group. She will be remembered for her outstanding culinary skills, especially her flawless and delicious pound cakes; her love for entertaining; and her excellent sewing and decorating skills.  She was a "skilled" and avid Shopper.   Anne loved to travel, and her last "major" trip was cruising several of the Islands of Hawaii.  She rarely met a stranger and if she was your friend, she was a friend indeed!

A viewing will be held from 12:00noon until 5:00pm Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Russell Funeral Home.

Private funeral services will be held Thursday, August 13, 2020. Interment will be held in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John C.M.E. Church, Missionary Society, 350 NW Crawford St., Winston-Salem, NC 27105.