Emma Jane Saunders Phillips

Franklin, NC - Emma Jane Saunders Phillips, age 96, devoted wife and mother, died peacefully Monday at a Franklin nursing home. She was a native of Macon County, a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, and a homemaker. She was the daughter of the late Charles H. and Mamie Dowdle Saunders of the Bethel Community. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Lewis Saunders, Robert Saunders and Fred Saunders and by a sister Edna Henry. Surviving are one brother, Frank Saunders, and a sister-in-law, Laura Saunders. She was married for forty-nine years to Nat Phillips, who died in 1982.

Surviving are one daughter Jean McCollum and husband Tom of Franklin and two sons, Max Phillips and wife Ruth and Richard Phillips and wife Nancy, all of Asheville.

Other survivors are her grandchildren, Patti Perrou, Carol, David and Michael McCollum and Laura Manavella and one great-grandchild.

She was a past Worthy Matron and a life member of Nequassa Chapter No. 43, Order of the Eastern Star, which will assist with the services.

Services will be held Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 12:00 noon in the Chapel of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour before the services at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery.

At other times the family will be at the home of Jean McCollum, 328 Trimont Trail, Franklin, NC.

Donations may be made to Meals on Wheels of Franklin, Macon County Senior Services, Attn: Teresa Curtis, 108 Wayah Street, Franklin, NC 28734.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.