Susan Phillips
November 28, 1950 – May 26, 2026

Today we gather to celebrate the life of Susan Phillips and to remember the woman who meant so much to so many.

Susan lived a life that was not always easy. She experienced hardships and challenges that many people never fully saw. Yet through it all, she continued to care for others. She was strong in ways that often went unnoticed, and she gave of herself even when life gave her little in return.

She spent the end of her life in the Florida Panhandle, where she built a life centered around the people and animals she loved. She was a registered nurse, and caring for others wasn't just her profession—it was part of who she was. She had a compassionate heart and always wanted to help anyone who needed her.

Family was everything to her. She was the mother of six children, including two whom she lovingly adopted. To her, family was never defined by blood alone but by love, commitment, and showing up for one another. She was deeply involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

If you knew Susan, you probably talked to her on the phone. She could spend hours each day catching up with family and friends, checking in, sharing stories, offering advice, or simply listening. Those conversations were her way of staying connected and reminding people they were loved. She had a gift for making people feel remembered.

She also shared a close bond with her siblings, Daniel Phillips, James Phillips, Anne Phillips, and Robin Phillips, and those relationships were an important part of her life.

Mom's love extended far beyond people. She had a special place in her heart for animals. She raised beautiful Arabian horses, caring for them as though they were her own children. She found joy in feeding wild birds, watching nature outside her window, and loving every cat that found its way into her life. Animals trusted her because they could sense the kindness she carried.

Diabetes took a tremendous toll on her over the years. It was a difficult battle that affected her health and ultimately took her from us. But today, we choose to remember not her illness, but her life. We remember her caring heart, her determination, her conversations, her laughter, her unmatched wit, and the unconditional love she gave to those around her.

Susan was preceded in death by her beloved son, Nickolaus Wesley Chew.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Carolyn Peach Oliver, Thao Hoa Chew, Jennifer Ann Baiceanu, Christopher Allen Chew, and Aimee Margaret Phillips.

She also leaves behind twelve cherished grandchildren: Olivia Oliver, Kayla Chew Hernandez, Jasmine Chew, Andrew Baiceanu, Michael Baiceanu, Elisabeth Chew, Emily Chew, Nicole Elizabeth Chew, Kiesha Sue Chew, Marco Johnson, Sophia Johnson, and Bryant Johnson.

Her legacy continues through sixteen beloved great-grandchildren: Giovanni "Geo" Hernandez, Shellbea Mae Chew, Aviyah Chew, Kenneth Mitchell Jr., Kena Mitchell, Mario Johnson, Theresa Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Lashawndra Johnson, Nehemiah Johnson, Mckabe Johnson, Tramel Johnson, Trineti Johnson, Sareneti Johnson, Mya Johnson, and Kya Johnson.

She was also blessed with three cherished great-great-grandchildren: Kyree Johnson, Auri Vega-Johnson, and Emiliano Amir Johnson.

No mother is perfect, and no life is without struggle. But love is found in the countless little things—the phone calls, the concern, the memories, the sacrifices, and the moments shared together. Those are the gifts Mom leaves with us.

Though we will miss hearing her voice on the other end of the phone, we can take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace. Her struggles have ended, her pain is gone, and she is finally resting.

Mom, thank you for your love, your strength, your compassion, and for always caring so deeply about the people in your life. We will carry your memory with us every day.

You will forever be loved, forever be missed, and never be forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Mom.