Bessie Lanelle "Bess" Phillips

April 24, 1964 – August 22, 2026

Bessie Lanelle Phillips, lovingly known as "Bess," of Black Hawk, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, at the age of 62. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Williams and Lord Funeral Home in Greenwood, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Black Hawk Cemetery.

Bess was a woman of unwavering faith, a devoted mother, a beloved grandmother, a cherished sister, and a friend to so many. She loved the Lord with all of her heart and stood firmly in her faith throughout every season of her life. Her relationship with her Lord and Savior was the foundation of who she was, and she carried that faith with strength and grace through even the most difficult times.

Above all else, Bess loved her family. Her two daughters, her beloved twins, Mary Kathryn "Katie" Roos and Lauren Elizabeth "Libby" Theunissen, were the greatest joys of her life. From the very beginning, she stood beside them through every chapter, always loving, encouraging, protecting, and supporting them. The bond between Bess and her daughters was extraordinary—a beautiful relationship built on a lifetime of love, laughter, strength, and devotion.

And then came her grandchildren, who she lovingly said were "gold." Becoming a grandmother was one of the greatest blessings of Bess's life. She proudly embraced the names "GiGi" and "Mama Bess," titles she wore with tremendous joy and pride. She cherished every moment with her grandchildren and loved watching her family grow.

Bess was a true people person. She had a friendly demeanor, a kind spirit, and a heart that was always willing to help. If someone was in need, Bess was the kind of person who would gladly give the shirt off her back. She never hesitated to help others and found joy in making people feel cared for, loved, and welcome.

Bess also had a special love for cooking. For her, cooking was more than preparing a meal—it was her love language. She showed her family and the people she loved how much they meant to her through the food she prepared and the time she spent gathered around the table with them.

She attended Mississippi Delta Community College, where she earned her Associate Degree, and later worked for Hammons and Associates in Greenwood, Mississippi.

Bess had many things she loved, but few brought her as much joy as flamingos. They became a symbol of her personality—a little bit of strut, sass, strength, and joy. During difficult times, especially while she was sick, flamingos could still make her smile. They reminded her to stand tall, keep her spirit, and face life with a little sass. Anyone who knew Bess knew that flamingos were more than just something she liked—they were part of what made her smile.

Bess was preceded in death by her parents, Elvin Carter Phillips and Mary Kate Phillips; and a brother, Leroy Phillips.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Mary Kathryn "Katie" Roos and Lauren Elizabeth "Libby" Theunissen; her grandchildren, Bill Hampton Theunissen, Aaron David Roos, and Lanie Roos; her soon-to-be-born grandchild, expected in March 2027; and her siblings, Gary Phillips and Donna Everett, along with extended family and countless friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and love.

Though her family will feel the unimaginable ache of her absence, Bess's legacy is far greater than the years she spent on this earth. It lives on in her daughters, in the grandchildren she adored, in the meals she lovingly prepared, in the people she helped, in the faith she so fiercely held onto, and in every person who was fortunate enough to experience her kindness.

Bess loved deeply, gave freely, believed faithfully, and stood strong.

She was a mother who never stopped loving her girls, a GiGi who thought her grandchildren were gold, a woman who trusted her Lord through every storm, and a soul who left a little more love wherever she went.

And perhaps the best way to remember Bess is to picture her exactly as she would want to be remembered—with her family close, her faith strong, a smile on her face, and a little flamingo sass in her step.

Her earthly journey is complete, but her love will never leave the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Until we meet again, Mama Bess.

We love you more than words could ever say.