Maxine Barker Phillips

Maxine Barker Phillips, 92, of Gainesville, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 after a few months of declining health.  Maxine was born on December 31, 1929, in Dawson County, Georgia, the seventh of ten children to James Roscoe and Ruth Cox Barker.  She was a 1947 graduate of Dawson County High School and later earned her Associates Degree from Perry Business College in 1949.

She began her professional career serving as bookkeeper to several Gainesville automobile dealerships including, Prosser Motor Company, Nalley Motor Company, and Jim Wilson Motor Company.  On December 30, 1960, she placed her career on hold as she accompanied her new husband in his career that led them to several stops across the state of Georgia including Columbus, Forsyth, Griffin and finally back in Gainesville.  

During this time, she excelled in her true calling as she managed her home and family. Most notable was the utilization of her baking talents and skills as a seamstress.  No project was too great when it came to the support of a local school, church, Boy Scout troop, or simply providing a good meal or snack for a group of young men on a sports team.  

As time passed and her responsibilities as a homemaker waned, she returned to the formal work force.  Devoting another 12 years of her life in the automobile business, she worked as bookkeeper for Bell Auto Sales and Gainesville Subaru and Peugeot.  In 1988, she entered formal retirement but found idle time not very appealing.  For the next 30 years, she stepped in to help her family as business financial manager for her son’s dental practice and salesperson for her sister’s women’s apparel store.

Maxine was a member of Trinity Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. By those whose path she crossed, she will be remembered as a sweet southern lady, initially shy, but not so much after she became acquainted.  She was particularly fond of dry-humor and pranks.  

In addition to her parents, Maxine is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Tommy J. Phillips.  She is also preceded in death by her brothers:  Clarence, Kimsey, Floyd, James, and John Barker; and her sisters:  Louvenia Stanford, Ethel Pugh, Annie Ruth Elliott , and Carol Roper.

Surviving and cherishing her memory are her son and daughter in law Randy and Suzanne Phillips, grandsons Austin and Wade Phillips, all of Gainesville; sisters in law Patty Barker of Boston, Georgia and Sara P. Morgan, Dacula, Georgia; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A special tribute is given to her fabulous caregivers:  Mary Mangrum, Ackma Captan-Sudue, Samira Cheapoo, Angela Lott, and Miranda Brown.

A private graveside service will be held with internment at Memorial Park Cemetery Gainesville.  The Reverend Mike Taylor will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center or a favorite charity.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home & Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.