Irene (Cain) Phillips

Irene Phillips, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, in Savannah, GA, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 27, 1933, in Grady County, Georgia, and lived a long, full life marked by devotion to her family, hard work, and a warm spirit that touched everyone who knew her.

Irene was the daughter of the late John H. Cain and Rosalee Sadler Cain. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Al Phillips; beloved sons, Darryl Tim Phillips and Billy Reese Phillips, and by her grandson, Trevor Logan Phillips. Her life was shaped by the love of her family, and she carried both joy and sorrow with quiet strength and grace.

On November 10, 1951, Irene married the love of her life, Al Phillips, and the two shared nearly 52 years of marriage before his passing in September 2003. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and perseverance. They lived in Thomasville, Georgia, before moving to Columbus and Bainbridge, and later settled in Dublin in 1968. Irene and Al worked side by side in every season of life, and their partnership was a true example of commitment and devotion.

In 1985, Irene and Al opened Four Seasons Paint and Floorcovering, where she worked faithfully alongside her husband until their retirement in February 2001. She and Al spent many days fishing on Lake Sinclair and mullet fishing in Florida, making memories that would be cherished for years to come. She took pride in honest work and in the relationships she built through the years. Irene remained in Dublin until May 2015, when she moved to Savannah to be with her daughter.

Irene was known for her loving nature, her sense of humor, and her selfless way of caring for others. She loved to cook and feed people, and she found great happiness in gathering family and friends around her table. Above all else, her greatest joy was her family, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

She is survived by her son, Cliff Phillips and his wife Kathy of Elma, Washington; her daughter, Connie Phillips Holland of Savannah, Georgia; and her daughter-in-law, Sandra Phillips of Enterprise, Alabama. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Melissa Phillips of Yelm, Washington; Cody Phillips of Centralia, Washington; Carson Phillips of Auburn, Alabama; Timothy Phillips of Dothan, Alabama; Christina “Chrissy” Holland Horan and her husband Gene of Springfield, Georgia; and John Holland and his wife Madeleine of Bishop, Georgia. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Emily Hartwell of Marysville, Washington; Brian Hartwell of Yelm, Washington; Allison Hartwell of Yelm, Washington; Joshua Horan of Springfield, Georgia; Rhett Holland of Bishop, Georgia; and Rowan Holland of Bishop, Georgia.

Irene is also survived by her siblings, Claudia Thompson of Dexter, Georgia; Wayne Cain of Dublin, Georgia; and John Cain of Thomasville, Georgia, along with her special friend, Linda Pennington, and several nieces and nephews. She will be remembered with love by her family and by all who were blessed to know her.

A funeral service celebrating Irene’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in the Mary Whitaker Townsend Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Bethsaida Baptist Church. Mr. Al Curry will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the service hour at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Carson Phillips, Timothy Phillips, John Holland, Gene Horan, William Cane, and Bill Bailey.

The family would like to thank Hospice Savannah for their devotion and care as well as a very special thank you to her nurse, Barbara Burch, and her caregivers, Cheryl Levine and Brandy Daughtry for their love and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Hospice Savannah are appreciated.

The funeral service for Mrs. Phillips will be available on livestream for those who cannot attend in person.

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