Belvia “Belle” Bessie Phipps

It is with great sadness that the family of Belvia Phipps announce her passing surrounded by her loved ones on Tuesday, January 10, 2022, at her residence at the age of 98. She was born May 17, 1923, in Taylorsville County, Kentucky to the late James Monroe Kilby and Docia Shoemate Kilby and beloved stepmother, Rose Mabe Kilby. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Buell Phipps; sons, Bill Phipps and Milton Phipps; daughters, Patricia Phipps and Irene Snyder; brothers, Jason Kilby, Millard Kilby and Coy Ray Kilby; sisters, Nanny Roark, Mary Vanela Kilby, Mabel Payne, Dorothy Kulin and Marie Widener; daughter-in-law, Kathy Phipps; sons-in-law, Johnny Putnam, Jim Snyder and Carl Bryant; precious great-great grandson, Elijah William Hilton "Fuzz". Belle was a former employee of Iron Mountain Stoneware for several years but her most honored position was that of a homemaker. She enjoyed quilting, flowers, gardening and canning. In her last years as her memory began to fade, she never forgot her most important role in life, which was that of a mother. With her large group of children, she didn't lack for someone to care for and nurture. Her most recent years were spent looking for her children who were already grown adults and that is when she formed a strong attachment to her baby dolls. Even as her memory failed her, her nurturing spirit never left. Anyone that ever darkened her doorstep, would not leave hungry. She was a devoted mother to not only her children but her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many great-great-grandchildren, as well; yet another trait so embedded in her core that her failing memory could not erase it. Belle was a member of Faith Gospel Church in Laurel Bloomery, TN and whenever able attended the services of her son Kenneth Phipps at his church also located in Laurel Bloomery, TN. Those left to cherish her memory include her sister, Edna Bowlin of Hendersonville, NC; sister-in-law, Ruby Phipps Kennard of Florida; son, Kenneth Phipps of Laurel Bloomery, TN; four daughters, Betty Bryant Bowers (Andy) of Bristol, TN; Lois Snyder of Mountain City, TN, Virginia Hodge (Ed) Shady Valley, TN and Carmia Cornett (Junior) of Mountain City, TN; grandsons: Doug Bryant, Leon Bryant, Rick Bryant, Dennis Bryant, Darren Bryant, Jody Putnam, Trampass Hodge, Willie Phipps and David Whisman; granddaughters: Tammy McCloud, Pam Brown, Lucinda Jones, Rebekah Phipps-Stines, Jennifer Howard, Myra Phipps, Angelina Snyder and Patricia Phipps; great-grandchildren: Toby Bryant, Josh Bryant, Jason Bryant, Nellie Wilson, Billy Bryant, Cody Bryant, Dustin Bryant, D.J. Bryant, Sam Bryant, Monica Bryant, Sasha Bryant, Sara Bryant, Olivia Bryant, Dakota Bryant, Laura King, Annabelle Miller, Angel Gooddell, Griffin Brown, Carson Brown, Ally McCloud, Jessica Jones, Miranda Jones, Tanner Putnam, Shainna Putnam, Jenna Reece, Brittney Hodge, Jaida Hodge, Hunter Hodge, Ben Howard, Ezra Howard, Kaylee Eller, Sammy Phipps, Noah Phipps, Autumn Phipps, Liddy Arnold, Maddy Arnold, Alexis Winters, Ariel Phipps, Emma Savery, Lily Savery; twenty-three great-great grandchildren; great-great-great grandson, Luke Sluder. Numerous nieces, nephews and many friends also survive. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 14, 2022, in the Hux & Lipford Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend James Gentry and Johnny Ward officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Graveside service and interment will follow in Acre Field Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck Ward, Eric Taylor, Tim Keene and sons-in-law. At other times friends may call at the residence 1721 Gentry Creek Road, Laurel Bloomery, TN 37680. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.huxlipfordfh.com Hux & Lipford is honored to be serving the Phipps family.