Irene Trantham Phipps

irene phipps
Irene Trantham Phipps, 89, born on July 26, 1926, went to be with the Lord on Saturday evening, February 27, 2016, after a period of declining health. She was the daughter and stepdaughter of the late Ada Trantham Logan and Wayne H. Logan. She was married for 67 years to the love of her life, Ernest Wilburn Phipps. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her youngest daughter, "Dori" P. West, wife of Mike West. In addition to her loving husband, she leaves behind one daughter, Sharon Brookshire and her husband, David; one son, Mike Phipps and eight grandchildren, Jeremy West (Brooke), Nicholas West (Cathy), Matthew Brookshire (Christy), Timothy Brookshire (Blake), Emily Brow (Patrick), John Phipps (Sarah), Cody Phipps and Jordyn Phipps. She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren, Conner and Ethan West, Leana and Shawn West, Anna Ruth Brookshire, Adam and Marie Brookshire, Emma Goff, Porter Brow and Caleb Phipps (with a sister on the way). Irene was an active member of Skyland United Methodist Church since the mid-1950's. She was working for American Enka when she met Ernest, her future husband. After a chance to be a stay-at-home mother, she worked briefly as a "lunch lady" at Valley Springs Elementary School, and then spent several years at Taylor Instrument Company. After their retirement, she and Ernest spent several years traveling, getting a chance to visit all 50 states, plus a few Canadian provinces. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 5, 2016 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with a celebration of her life provided by the Reverends Keith Turman and Joy Moss. The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home. Flowers are appreciated, but for those who choose, memorial donations may be made to Skyland United Methodist Church, 1984 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803.

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  1. Dear Ernest, I remember working with Irene at church in many different groups. I always admired her gentle ways and kind spirit. I know how much you will miss her and her church was always blessed and the church family will miss her also. Prayers for your entire family, may they hold you close during the days to come. Blessing to you all, Jan Whiteman, Taylorsville, N.C.

  2. Sharon….so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I know she is so happy to see your Dad in Heaven! I am glad we got to renew our friendship by seeing each other at Biltmore! Take good care and please accept my condolences. Shaw

  3. Am so sorry for your loss. I have so many memories of all our times together. Prayers for everyone. Will be thinking of you with love.

  4. Words cannot express how truly sorry I am for your loss. I truly loved Aunt Irene. She had the most beautiful and warmest smile. I know she is now one of God’s angels. My love to each and everyone of you. God’s peace. I have many fond memories of her. Love Edith

  5. Mr. Phipps, Sharon & Mike,
    Prayers of comfort and love to you and your family. I have many happy memories at Skyland Methodist and spending time with Mrs. Phipps, each of you and Dori during our many after church visits. Those were some of the best times of my childhood! May her love and light continue to shine in each of you and your family.

  6. Mike and family; I know you must be saddened to have to say bye to your mother/grand mother for now. But just knowing she has had a rough time being sick, we all know she is better now with no suffering or pain. She is in heaven watching over you all as she will always continue to be with you through out your life. I didn’t know her, but just knowing you Mike; she must have been a great woman. I know you will miss her, but just remember she loved you all and you will see her again one day

  7. Dear Mr. Phipps, Sharon, Mike and family. We want you to know how sad we are for the passing of Mrs. Phipps. She was such a sweet and caring lady. She truly loved her family. May you all find comfort through lovely memories of time past and through our Lord’s written word. He can give you comfort and peace in your heart when dealing with losing a loved one. She will be missed dearly. With much love and condolences. Your neighbors,
    Vince and Cathy Constantino

  8. To Mr. Phipps and family, Our deepest sympathy for your loss. When I first met you both, I just connected to Irene’s loving, kind spirit, and yours! We will all meet again in heaven one day! May God give you comfort and peace at this time. Praying for you all. The DeRosa family

  9. Mike, so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.


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