Rachel Ellen McDonald Phillips

Of Franklin, Arkansas

Rachel Ellen McDonald Phillips, daughter of the late Eugene Sterling McDonald and Bonnie Nelma Mason McDonald, was born June 26, 1942 in Velvet Ridge, Arkansas.  She departed this life November 9, 2022 in Salem, Arkansas at the age of 80 years, 4 months and 14 days.  Rachel was a 1960 graduate of Bald Knob High School.  She went on to attend Arkansas State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1965.  While attending Arkansas State University, she met Hayden Carl Phillips. On December 28, 1962 she was united in marriage to Hayden and together they raised three children. Rachel spent her life as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, homemaker and friend.  Most of her working years were spent teaching elementary school in Violet Hill, Calico Rock, and Izard County Consolidated schools.  She was a faithful Christian and a member of Franklin Church of Christ.

Rachel is survived by her husband of 59 years:  Hayden Phillips of the home; three children—Mark Alan Phillips and wife Lisa of Franklin, Bonnie Rachelle Coleman and husband Rob of Mountain Home, and Bryan Keith Phillips and wife Cindy Elise of Franklin; two sisters—Maxine Thompson  of Bath, Maine, and Ruth Treat of Searcy; four grandchildren—Justin (Kristin) Coleman , Amy (Kevin) Reano, James (Katelyn) Phillips and Ethan (Hailey) Phillips; seven great grandchildren—Blake Coleman, Josie Reano, Carter Coleman, Miles Reano, Chloe Phillips, Matthew Phillips, and Ava Phillips; her brother-in-law Garland Phillips of Franklin; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives; and many good friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers— John D. McDonald, Harold McDonald, Paul McDonald, Carl McDonald, and Lester McDonald; and two sisters—Pauline McDonald and Arkie Vallina.

Visitation will be Friday, November 11 from 6-8 p.m. at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.  Funeral service will be Saturday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m. at Franklin Church of Christ with Barry Wilkes officiating.  Burial will follow at Roberts Cemetery in Franklin.

Memorials may be made to:  Children's Homes, Inc, 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, Arkansas 72450 . childrenshoomes.org

Pallbearers:  Justin Coleman, Kevin Reano, James Phillips, Ethan Phillips, Jeremy Gross & Lance Gross