On August 24, 1907 in Davie County, a long and beautiful life began, it ended October 17, 2011. Evelyn Johnson, the first of eight children was born to the Reverend Franklin Garfield Johnson and his wife, Bertha Johnson. As a young child, she joined New Zion AME Church in Davie County, where her father was an officiate. He taught his children that reading, writing, and arithmetic were important in the material world, but the Golden Rule would guide them in the spiritual world.
After completing grade school in Bixby, NC, Evelyn moved to Winston-Salem to attend Columbia Heights High School. She earned a Bachelor's Degree from Winston-Salem Teachers College (Winston-Salem State University) and a Master's Degree from the Agricultural and Technical College in Greensboro, NC.
Her teaching career began in Anson County, NC, but after one year, she returned to Winston-Salem where her career in education spanned almost 40 years. Over the decades, she molded and influenced countless young persons. How gratified she was that three of the children she taught in first grade attended her one hundredth birthday celebration.
In August 1932, she and the late Reverend William H. Phillips were married. They were blessed with a daughter, Barbara Jean Phillips Thomas (Roland). Evelyn raised as her own, a niece Lucille Johnson Cockerham (Lonnie).
Mrs. Phillips was personified by a formidable work ethic and devoted herself to accomplishing other childhood dreams. She was not only a teacher, but a business woman who owned and operated the Scott Family Care Home. She was also a successful salesperson at Montaldo's, an exclusive women's clothing shop in downtown Winston-Salem until it closed. Her work ethic did not exceed the ample content of her heart; she was a concerned and dedicated wife, mother, and friend.
She was a dedicated member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church and a charter member of Beta Alpha Chapter of the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority. She especially enjoyed her affiliation with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Retired School Personnel.
Left to cherish her memory, in addition to her daughter Jean and niece Lucille are her grandchildren, Dr. Lynelle Thomas and Terrence Thomas of Chicago, IL; other survivors who will celebrate her life are one sister, Mrs. Ruby Leach of Advance, NC; sons-in-law, Dr. Roland Thomas of Chicago and Lonnie Cockerham of Advance, NC; nieces and nephews who will treasure the memory of her love, patience, and caring ways are Lonnie, Jr., Laura, and Letitia Cockerham, Inez and Sammie Lee Gray, Mozelle and Jimmy Ceasar, Sarah and Donald Johnson, Johnnie May and Joseph Johnson, Lauretta and Jessie Hampton, Johnnie May and James Durant, Bridget and Lawrence Reaves, and a host of devoted friends.
The family will greet friends at Saint Paul United Methodist Church at 12:30pm Monday, October 24, 2011. A Memorial Service will follow at 1pm. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society, 40 Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407.