Kathy Jo Phillips, 74, of LuLu, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 8, 2024, with her family by her side after an extended illness. She was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on July 1, 1949 to the late Elmer Lee Leslie and Betty Jo Rogers Leslie. She has made Lake City her home most all of her life and was a member of the 1967 CHS graduating class. She was a bookkeeper for many years who in her spare time, enjoyed going to the races with her husband and family, trips to the casinos, but most of all, loving on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a mother to many members in the Columbia County Community and always had a quick smile for anyone. She was also a faithful member of the First Advent Christian Church of Lake City.

She is survived by her sweetheart of over 59 years, Everett Phillips of LuLu; her loving children, Lee Phillips (Elisa) and Terri Phillips Thornton (Matt) both of LuLu. Four grandchildren, Johnnie Phillips (Taylor Strickland), Lara Phillips, Hunter Thornton and Taylor Jo Thornton; five great-grandchildren; along with three cousins whom she considered her brothers and many extended family members and friends also survive.

A funeral service for Mrs. Kathy will be conducted on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Christ Central with Rev. Fred Gaylard, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in the Phillips Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday evening, June 13, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In the lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be considered to the Suwannee River Breast Cancer Awareness Association.