April Dean Phillips

October 18, 1967 – March 26, 2019

April Dean Phillips, 51, of Bainbridge, GA, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2019.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Southwest Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Weaver, Rev. Steve Brooks and Rev. Robert Johns officiating. A private interment will be held at Prosperity Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with Chase Dean, Noah Phillips, Andrew Phillips, Tate Phillips, Chad Braswell, Ricky Harrison, John Watts and Johnny Wacaser serving as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at Southwest Baptist Church. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Southwest Baptist Church Youth & Children’s Building Fund, P. O. Box 7193, Bainbridge, GA 39818 or Prosperity Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Dorothy Morris, 369 Martin Road, Bainbridge, GA 39817.

April LaShelle Dean was born October 18, 1967 in Bainbridge, GA, the daughter of Otis and Rudean Collins Dean. She was a graduate of Whigham High School. April graduated from Darton College with her RN and Albany State University with her BSN. She worked as a school nurse for Decatur County Schools and later as a quality manager for Memorial Hospital. She married Stanley H. Phillips in 1987 and served as a phenomenal pastor’s wife for 26 years. April was member of Southwest Baptist Church.

Born with a feisty personality, April was kind sprinkled with stubborn. She could hold order and her close friends knew “don’t ask if you don’t want to know” especially if you were shopping with her. She had a great sense of humor and was always laughing “with you”. Her family describes her as “fun and funny” which explains why she was the favorite aunt. April’s love language was gifts and she often did for others when she was in need herself. Macy was her most valuable treasure and Troupe, her favorite son-in-law. Back in the day Tom Petty probably had “Pearl” in mind when he penned these words: She’s a good girl, loves her mama, loves Jesus and America too. She was tough as nails and fighter until her last breath. April would say her faith and her family sustained her.

Survivors include her husband of 32 years, Stanley H. Phillips; her daughter, Macy Phillips Tabb and her husband, Troupe; her parents Otis & Rudean Dean; her brothers, Todd Dean and his wife, Melinda, and Chad Dean and his wife, Karla, all of Bainbridge, GA; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The Phillips Family would like to extend special thanks to Mandy, Lynn and “Miss” Mary for their loving support.

7 Comments on “April Dean Phillips”

  1. I knew April when we went to junior high together. She was a little pack on dynamite back then it seems that it carry out thru life ; April was one who spoke her
    Peace but with loving care behind every word : when u met April she was who left a great impression on u , u will deeply be. Miss : time to fly little angel

  2. I prayed for April,long before I,knew who she was. Pray for April signs in so many places and I wondered who this lady was and what was wrong. When I stared to SWBC,I met her. Not only beautiful on the outside,she was a beautiful caring person for many at the church,Mr Ed in particular,who was totally blind and she would pick him up and bring him to church. Her mother Rudean is in my Sunday School class, a wonderful lady who,also stayed strong for April,her dad,the nicest gentleman who was our ins, agent for a,long time,was strong for his wife and his daughter but the love would shine on his face when he saw her at church. A true love,Stanley and a precious daughter kept her fighting for so long and God gave her the tools she needed to be the example of how we all need to face life when we have struggle.She has travelled a very bumpy road health wise but sailed like a ship,on the ocean doing Gods work here. God Bless this wonderful family left behind to miss this lady that became a Decatur County sweetheart! SWBC members will miss seeing her on the front row and all the joy she brought with her to church. Her testimony at church one night moved me in such a special way. She was strong,determined and unfaltering,she knew where she was going one day and she had no fear of that next journey to the Promised Land. I am sure she took her “ fun and funny “ to Heaven with her and God is just as amused being in her presence as we all were! Go tell on the mountain April,your work,on earth is done.

  3. I worshiped alongside April for 12 years at Fellowship Baptist Church. I always saw April as such an incredible wife, mother, friend, and pastors helpmate. April was full of energy and vigor. She spoke what was on her heart. She was tender to everyone and posessed one of the warmest smiles in Georgia. Her dedication to helping the wounded extended further than Bainbridge Memorial Hospital. Lives were moved, changed, challenged, and stirred as she enveloped them with her presence.
    Her faith in Jesus Christ was the loudest about her. Holding her head up when pain overwhelmed her. Trusting Him when things looked bad. Leaning on those who loved her most.
    This world lost a woman of great example of Christ, only to be standing now face to face with her Lord and Savior.
    My prayers are with Stanley and the family. May God deliver comfort and peace as the days go by.

  4. I have known April all my life. I have always admired her sweet personality. She was loving and kind to everyone. She will be missed. So sorry to hear this. Prayers, love and hugs for the family.

  5. April was a dear sweet soul who fought a battle for so many years. I met and worked with her in same day surgery many years ago and to this day I can still hear her laugh and remember how she believed in me as a newer nurse. No sweet lady you can be with your savior in heaven and stop the battle you so diligently fought. We all love you and will always be grateful God put you in our path.

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