Clarice Ward Phillips

Amanda “Clarice” Ward Phillips, a cherished member of the Tifton community, passed away peacefully at her residence on May 22, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on September 15, 1940, in Tifton, Georgia, Clarice led a life filled with passion, dedication, and love for her family and community.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Tift Memorial Gardens with Mr. Audie Bailey delivering the eulogy. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at Albritton Funeral Directors before the graveside service.

Mrs. Phillips grandchildren, Reid Phillips, Chip Seigler, Alex Seigler, her son-in-law, Kurt Seigler and family friends Duane Padgett and Bart Holt will serve as pallbearers.

Clarice embarked on her career as a junior high school teacher with the Tift County Board of Education, where she devoted thirty years to shaping young minds and nurturing their educational journeys. Her commitment to education left a lasting impact on many students throughout her career.

In her personal life, Clarice was an avid lover of hobbies that enriched her life and those around her. She delighted in sewing, gardening, cooking, and being a devoted homemaker. An enthusiastic reader, she found joy in the pages of books, and her love for sudoku puzzles offered her great enjoyment. Additionally, Clarice had a keen interest in golfing, often spending leisure time on the green with friends and family.

Clarice was a proud graduate of Tifton High School, furthering her education with a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Woman's College of Milledgeville, Georgia. Her connection to her roots and dedication to her faith were evident as she grew up in the Methodist Church but later found affiliation with the Baptist Church.

Clarice is survived by her beloved husband, James "Jimmy" Phillips; her daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Kurt Seigler; her son, Dr. Jay Phillips; and her treasured grandchildren, Hayden Phillips, Reid Phillips, Chip and Skylar Seigler, and Alex and Brittney Seigler. Adding to her legacy is her adored great grandchild, Brodie Seigler. Clarice also leaves behind her two brothers, Ray Ward and Donnie Ward, along with his wife, Ramona Ward.

She is preceded in death by her father, Wilson Ward; her mother, Maggie Stembridge Ward; her sister, Betty Jean Bailey; and her brother, Larry Ward.

Amanda Clarice Ward Phillips will be dearly remembered for her kindness, dedication to education, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy of compassion and commitment to her community will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Flowers accepted or donations may be made to Hospice of Tift Area, PO Box 747, Tifton, Georgia, 31793.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.