Shirley Phillips Obituary

GUILFORD LAKE - Shirley Ann (Sell) Phillips, age 66, of Guilford Lake, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on January 23, 1959, Shirley graduated from United Local High School in 1977. Shortly after, she married her high school sweetheart, Michael, on April 14, 1979. From that moment on, her life was a testament to love, dedication, and service to others.

Shirley was a woman who could do just about anything. She began her career at Deming Pumps and spent the following decades balancing work and family, taking on roles in the cafeterias at United and Leetonia Schools, working as an aide at Robert Bycroft School, babysitting for local families, and ultimately working at Discount Drug Mart in Minerva. Though illness forced her retirement, she cherished her time there, especially the connections with coworkers and the daily conversations with customers.

Always ready to help, Shirley gave her time to many causes and communities. She served as a youth leader at Winona Friends Church, coordinated VBS for local children, Mother's Club, volunteered in classrooms at United, and was a proud supporter of the United Athletic Boosters during her sons' sports years. Her mission: to run the best concession stand around-always with a smile.

She was known for her love of food, family, and feeding others. Whether it was Sunday supper at the farm, a chilled chocolate cake from the fridge, her chocolate pie, or cookies. Shirley made meals into memories. And while not everyone will miss the smell of sauerkraut on New Year's Day, those meals were part of her legacy of care and tradition.

Shirley was a passionate sports fan from the beginning-cheering for her future husband at United, supporting her three sons through every season, and most recently, proudly rooting for her grandchildren. There wasn't a distance she wouldn't travel to support her loved ones, and her infectious, thunderous laugh could be heard at countless games over the years.

To her grandchildren-Jordan, Rileah, Carter, Kase, and Charlee-she was lovingly known as "Granny." Whether through sleepovers, golf cart rides, crafts, gardening, beach vacations, or baking, Shirley filled their lives with joy and modeled a fierce, unconditional love she hoped they would pass on to others.

Shirley was preceded in death by her youngest son, Taylor, and her parents, Don and Barb Sell.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Michael, and her children, Jordan (Christina), Bryan (Sarah), and the memory of Taylor. Also surviving are her siblings, Linda (Ron) Jackson, Jeff (Debbie) Sell, Laurie (Rick) Huston, and sister-in-law, Cathy, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Shirley will be remembered most for her kindness, her ability to talk to anyone, and her boundless love for her family. She left the world better than she found it-and Heaven just got a little louder. Laugh on, Shirley.

Friends and family will be received from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Winona Friends Church, 4687 Whinnery Rd, Salem, where a funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Andrew Blackburn officiating. Burial will follow at Woodsdale Cemetery.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Lodge located at 11432 Mayfield Rd Cleveland, Ohio 44106-2364 or by visiting their website.

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