Katherine “Kay” E. Phillips, 76, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully at home on July 8.
Born in Upper Darby, Pa., Mrs. Phillips grew up in Virginia Beach and later made her home in Fairfax County, Va., where she lived for more than 40 years.
She first met her husband, Jerry, in 1967 at Lee’s Jet Lounge in Virginia Beach. Years later, after both had moved to Fairfax in 1971, they reconnected, and in 1976 they were married in Montgomery County, Md. The two made a great team—both in life and at work—spending many years together running their law office in Fairfax. In 2021, they moved to Knoxville to be closer to their daughter’s family.
Mrs. Phillips worked for many years as a paralegal and was known for her wit, warmth, and welcoming spirit. She brought joy and laughter to everyone around her and had a special gift for making people feel at home.
Her love for animals, sharp sense of humor, unforgettable holiday hosting, and unique sense of style will be remembered by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Catherine Wilkinson, and her father, Charles Walter Wilkinson. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Jerry Phillips; her children, Lisa Sinclair (Seth) and Jonathan Phillips (Cori); and her beloved grandchildren: Ben, AJ, Thomas, Leo, Cressa, and Will. She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara King (Jim) and Bette Bench.
A funeral Mass for Mrs. Phillips was held on July 19 at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. A memorial service for her followed on July 31 at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home in Fairfax, Va., with burial at Fairfax Memorial Park.