Susan Roberts Phillips, age 90, of Batesville, Arkansas, died May 17, 2025. She was born in Columbus, Georgia, on July 16, 1934. She attended Memphis State College (Now the University of Memphis) and graduated from the University of Tennessee Medical Units in Memphis, Tennessee, with a BS in Medical Technology. At U of M, she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi
She practiced Medical Technology for many years at Campbell Clinic and LeBonheur Hospital in Memphis, and later at White River Medical Center in Batesville.
She was married for 21 years to Dr. James D. Phillips, during which time she was a member of the Shelby County Medical Auxiliary. After moving to St. Petersburg, Florida, she was a member of the Pinellas County Medical Auxiliary. Susan was very active in the First Baptist Church in Memphis, where she was circle leader and membership director, as well as the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church in St Petersburg, where she served as choir member, soloist, and director of the 4 and 5-year-old youth choirs. She was also active in the Women’s Missionary Society at both churches. After moving to Batesville, Arkansas, Susan joined the First Presbyterian Church, where she was a choir member and soloist for many years.
During her long life, Sue participated in many areas of interest to her – groups such as: Friends of the Opera, Beethoven Club, Symphony Guild, and Les Passees. She was a member of the DAR, the American Association of University Women, and Business and Professional Womens’ clubs in Batesville.
Susan had two children. The late James Douglas Phillips, Jr. and Susanna Phillips Metcalf (of Newport, AR). She is survived by her daughter, Susanna, and her two sisters, Joanna Buchanan (of Austin) and Bunny Goldstein (of Memphis).
A graveside memorial service will be held June 14, 2025, at Roselawn Cemetery at 11:00 am with a luncheon following at the First Presbyterian Church in Batesville.
Memorials may be made to The Humane Society of Batesville, First Presbyterian Church of Batesville, Independence County Library, and Habitat for Humanity.
