Rev. Arzolla Ilee Phillips

Reverend Arzolla Ilee Phillips was born to the late John and Josephine Brown in Bluefield, West Virginia on January 25, 1932. She departed this life and entered eternal rest on September 3, 2024.

Arzolla received her bachelor’s degree in education from Bluefield State College in West Virginia, graduating Magna Cum Laude and Who’s Who in America’s College in 1954. She obtained her master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, Tennessee.

Arzolla became a disciple at an early age. She joined Jones Street Christian Church in Bluefield, West Virginia and received additional training as a Chi-Rho counselor of Camps and conferences. She was the first African American female to be ordained in the Christian church in the state of Tennessee. After her ordination, she became pastor of Calvary Temple Christian Church in 1990 and began her pastorate at Bentley Street Christian Church in 1991. Under her leadership, the church grew in membership, participation, and individual spiritual growth. She was a member of several ministerial organizations and a regional board member. She has served on numerous CCT regional committees, the Disciples Divinity House, and Vanderbilt Alumni/ae Council in Nashville.

She was married to the late Ernest Phillips. She showered her children, Michelle Fears and John Isaiah Rogers with loving care and devotion. Spending time with her family and friends was something that she treasured. Arzolla will be truly missed by all that she knew and touched.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Phillips; parents, John and Josephine Brown; sisters, Drexel Thomas, Azell Grittens, LaFreda Lowery, Decloris Geter; brothers, John Roberts, and Lowell E. Brown; and dear aunt, Frances Montgomery.

She leaves to cherish her memory, devoted children, Rev. Michelle (Lloyd) Fears and John (Simone) Isaiah Rogers; a host of grandchildren; sisters, Audrey Brown and Nannie Rose Washington; brother, Raymond Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Family will receive friends Saturday September 14, 2024 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 1601 Dandridge Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915. Funeral service to follow. Elder Rose Joyner is officiating.

Interment will be Monday, September 16, 2024 at 12:30pm at East Tennessee State Veteran's Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920.

Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.