Sara Cathey Phillips

Sara Cathey Phillips, born May 26, 1925, died peacefully on July 3, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida. She was 100 years old.

A native of Candler, North Carolina, Sara was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Pauline (Shook) Cathey. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy D. Phillips, Sr; three sisters, Frances Brookshire, Ruth Brookshire and Hilda Digges; three brothers, Joe, James (Dock) and George Allen Cathey.

Sara was a graduate of Candler High School and North Carolina Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Winston Salem, NC. A registered nurse and member of the American Red Cross Nurses Association, she was qualified as a disaster nurse working in Asheville during the polio disaster at Thoms Rehabilitation (Asheville Orthopedic Home), local hospitals, and private duty nursing. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, American Nurses Association, The American Red Cross, High Vista Country Club, and a long-time member of Snow Hill United Methodist Church.

Sara is survived by a son, Roy D. Phillips, Jr; a daughter, Paula (Karl Hastay) Phillips; four grandchildren, Michael (Debbie), Matthew (Bethany) and Gregory Phillips, Audrey Eagle; and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held graveside at Snow Hill United Methodist Church on July 26, 2025 at 2:00 pm with a reception to follow in the church’s community center. Reverend Tom Hunter will preside.

Funeral arrangements are provided by Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue.