Charlotte Phillips

Charlotte Faircloth Phillips went home to be with the Lord on April 7, 2024, after a life well-lived. 

Charlotte touched the lives of many with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love. Affectionately known by family and friends as "Mama Dear”, “Choc Choc”, and “Aunt Chocolate”, she was a pillar of her community, embodying the spirit of Southern hospitality and charm.

Most recently, she resided in Colquitt, Georgia, but for many years she called the Desser Community of Seminole County, where she was raised, her home. She was the twelfth of thirteen children born to Franklin B. Sr. and Eva Odom Faircloth. She loved her family dearly and recently attended the 99th Faircloth Family Reunion at Seminole State Park. Of her siblings, she is survived by one brother, Joseph M. Faircloth (Pat) of Tallahassee. Preceding her in death are her parents and siblings: Calvin Faircloth, Gwen Hunt, Sue Preston, Bartow Faircloth, Monica Smith, Sabra Childress, Donnell Faircloth, Haydan Faircloth, Kathryn Smith, Etta Tucker, and Judy Cloud.

Charlotte graduated from Seminole County High School in 1966 and worked for BellSouth as a telephone operator until the birth of her children. She married Ralph Boyd Phillips Jr. of Miller/Baker County in 1972. He preceded her in death by 9 short weeks. They met water skiing on the Flint River in Bainbridge, Ga. The couple spent many years raising three daughters in Miller County where the girls attended school. As a mother and grandmother, Charlotte poured her heart and soul into raising her children and her grandson. She was a constant source of love, guidance, and support, always putting her family's needs above her own. She got plenty of parenting practice on her many nieces and nephews. She often said that her daughters were one of her greatest achievements and she used her considerable talents to assist them in scholastic endeavors, as well as extracurriculars. Charlotte is survived by her girls: Meda Phillips White (Kevin) of Birmingham, AL; Malia Phillips-Lee (Ryan) of Colquitt, GA; and Misty Phillips Strickland (Jeremy) of Dothan, AL.

In 2015, with the birth of her grandson, Shiloh Rylan Monk, she received her reward for not killing her children. In “Mama Dear’s” mind, the sun rose and set with Shiloh. She enjoyed keeping him during school breaks and using her creative talents to entertain and educate him. She wanted him to know how much he was loved. She also loved and adored her step-grandchildren: Sydney Lee of Atlanta, Lauren Edwards of West Jefferson, N.C., and Kyle Stansell of Sarasota, FL.

Charlotte's passion for storytelling and music led her to become a cherished member of the Swamp Gravy family, where she shared her talents as both an actor and songwriter. Her performances on stage brought joy and laughter to audiences far and wide, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of seeing her in action. She was an original cast member who wrote more than fifty songs as part of the music team.

Charlotte was known for her generosity, compassion, and genuine interest in the lives of those around her. She had a knack for making everyone feel welcome and cherished, leaving a legacy of love that will continue to inspire for generations to come.

A celebration of Charlotte's life will be held at the Cotton Hall Theater in Colquitt, GA on April 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM, Viewing at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be held at Colquitt Funeral Home on Thursday evening, April 11, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 PM. The family is receiving visitors at the home of Ryan and Malia Phillips-Lee in Colquitt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlotte’s honor to the Colquitt Miller Arts Council, P.O. Box 567, Colquitt, GA 39837.

Though she may no longer walk among us, the light of Charlotte's spirit will continue to shine bright in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Rest in peace, Mama Dear. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of love and laughter will live on forever.