Catherine was born in Polk County, the daughter of the late Esper and Minnie Fowler Carswell. She was the widow of Clyde L. Phillips who died in 1972. Catherine retired from textile work after many years of service. She was a lifelong member of Pea Ridge Baptist Church and worked in the Pea Ridge Community helping friends and neighbors.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers; Leo Carswell, Buren Carswell and Boyce Carswell and a grandson, Jody Covil who died in 1997.

Surviving are three sons, David Phillips (Terri), of Mill Spring; Lanny Phillips of Charlotte; and Roger Philllips (Sue) of Rutherfordton; two daughters, Mildred Edwards (Kenneth) of Mill Spring; and Linda Covil (Arthur) of Pea Ridge Community.&bsp; Three sisters, Vivian Blackmon of Cornelius, N.C.; Mabel Page of Saluda; and Jean Griffie of Columbus; one brother, Buster Carswell of Mill Spring. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday in Pea Ridge Baptist Church, Mill Spring.

Funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Pea Ridge Baptist Church, Mill Spring, with Dr. Jeff Parker and Rev. John Edwards officiating.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Pea Ridge Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, C/O Kenneth Edwards, 13 Shady Lane, Mill Spring, N.C. 28756.

The family will be at the home of her daughter, Mildred Edwards, 13 Shady Lane, Mill Spring, N.C. 28756.

An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel of Tryon is in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary