Mrs. Etherial Syrvinia "Buzz" Phillips, 83, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at her home with her family at her side on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at 7:25 pm. Her family found her passing quite remarkable as Buzz had been praying and reciting bible passages most of that afternoon and early evening and was in mid-prayer when her Lord came and lifted her up. It was agreed that her passing was her last, final gift to her family, as she left a household full of family, memories and love. She was born in Ward, West Virginia on September 26, 1937 and was the daughter of the late Eldon Everett and Bertha May (Wess) Foster. On July 11, 1955, she married Franklin Delano Phillips, who passed away in Elkhart in July of 2008 after almost 53 wonderful years together.

Surviving is a brother, Michael (Jessie) Foster of Elkhart, sister Toni (Donald) Nolen of Blackstock, South Carolina, grandchildren Dreama (Mark Wortinger) Phillips and Frankie D. Phillips, both of Elkhart; great grandchildren Keith (Mallory) Powell of Jones, MI, Destiny and Savannah Phillips of Elkhart and Beth Geiger of Elkhart; great-great grandchildren Oaklee and Leeum Powell of Jones and a host of extended family and friends. Besides her parents and her husband, Buzz is also preceded in death by children Franklin D. Phillips and Karen Kay Phillips; granddaughter Ginger Phillips and sisters Drexel Bloss, Buckie Harvey, Glenna May Merritt, Jerry Sawyer, Emma Jean Poliska and Mary Foster.

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart is assisting the Phillips family in celebrating Buzz's life by hosting a visitation on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 10 am, followed by a service at 12:00 noon officiated by Buzz's childhood friend, the Rev. Jimmy Webster, assisted by his son-in-law, Zach Snyder. Burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart.

Buzz worked many, many years as a production worker in several area manufacturing facilities, retiring in 2009. However, her true love remained with her family and her Savior. She was the consummate "Granny" and loved and doted on her family constantly. She also loved reading her bible and devotional scriptures on a daily basis, as they brought her strength and comfort. She loved to cook and bake, and was renowned for her salads, cakes, and candy. She also had a crazy wild sense of humor, and loved regaling the family with her jokes, stories, and humorous anecdotes. She also liked to sing and would often serenade her family with her musical selections. She was many things to many different people, but it was agreed without a doubt that Buzz was the binding tie that kept her family together. Her generous personality and her concern for her family never ceased, and she did what she could to keep her family happy. Heaven will surely be a richer place now that Buzz has arrived!

Memorial donations may be given to the charity of one's choice or to the in Buzz's honor to the Zion Assembly Church of God, 21181 SR 119, Goshen IN 46526. Thank you for your interest in Buzz's life story.

Please remember that COVID-19 restrictions are in effect in Elkhart County by order of the Health Officer.  Masks and social distancing will be required while on funeral home property and no more than 25 persons will be allowed in the visitation/service chapel at a time, and will be strictly enforced. We apologize for any inconvenience this might present. The service will begin exactly at 12:00 noon.