Sylvia Byrd Phillips

 Sylvia Byrd Phillips, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully the evening of August 23rd, 2024, at the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home in Spartanburg, South Carolina. A service celebrating Sylvia’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with Reverend Steve Wise and Reverend Kevin Hampton officiating. The family invites friends to join them for visitation and fellowship immediately following the service.

Born on March 7, 1948, in Patrick, South Carolina, Sylvia was the daughter of a Baptist preacher and grew up helping her family both in the church and on the farm. She went on to earn an associate’s degree in education from Wingate College and a Bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University, where she was a cheerleader, was crowned ‘May Queen’ and met her future husband and love of her life, Phil Phillips. They married in 1969 and settled in Spartanburg, where Sylvia continued her education, obtaining a master’s degree from Converse College.

Sylvia’s teaching career spanned several institutions, including Spartanburg Day School, Spartanburg High School, Cannons Elementary School, and Buena Vista Elementary School, where she inspired countless students. In the early 1990s, Sylvia’s passion for interior design evolved from a hobby into a successful career when neighbors and friends began seeking her assistance in decorating their homes. After much prayer and with Phil’s support, she retired from teaching and founded ‘Ashford Interiors,’ transforming homes and businesses across Spartanburg with not only her exceptional eye for design but also the ability to redesign spaces and optimize their functionality. Her work, including the hospice home where she spent her final days, reflected her unique talent and attention to detail. She possessed a God-given talent for recognizing beauty and captured that in everything she did.

Sylvia’s grace, beauty and hospitality left an undeniable mark on all who knew her. She was an exceptional cook, hosting many gatherings in her own home and serving as the church hostess at Westminster Presbyterian for many years. She found great pleasure in serving others and became a prominent contributor to the bereavement and hospitality ministry of her church. She also spent much of her time devoted to her own personal greeting card ministry (accompanied by her beautiful penmanship), whereby she sent out hundreds of cards (for every occasion) right up to her final weeks of life. Her flair for fashion and her joy in finding the perfect gift for friends and family were also hallmarks of her generous spirit.

Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband, Roy Hale Phillips, Jr. (Phil), their son, Matthew Hoke Phillips (who shares her keen eye for detail) and his wife, Kelly Hampton Phillips. But nothing compares to the love she had for her only grandchild, Matthew Hampton Phillips (Hampton). From the time of his birth in 2011, he was the apple of her eye, and she often expressed this through time spent with him, especially the first few years of his life while she was still physically able. Not a visit went by where he wasn’t offered anything he could have possibly wanted (and nothing was off limits), which was where she found the most joy (in spoiling him). She will forever be Hampton’s ‘Mimi’. Her memory will also be cherished by her brother, Harvey Walter Byrd (who didn’t leave her side in her final earthly days) and his wife Lynn; sister, Phyllis Wrigglesworth; former sister-in-law, Rebecca Couick Byrd; many extended family members; and many special friends including Fred and Paulette Hall, Fred and Gwen Hampton, Marsha Wright, Phil and Allison Wilson, Kirk and Lydia Johnston and Jack and Annette Porter. She was preceded in death by her father, Reverend Harvey Hoke Byrd; mother, Lola Dixon Byrd; sister, Pansy Byrd; and very dear friends Steve and Barbara Satterfield.

Sylvia’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. For many of us, it’s as simple as looking around our own homes to see a memento of Sylvia to remember her style and grace. Her incredible talent for design, knowing exactly where things should be placed, what colors should be used and how to be the perfect host for every occasion will be something that lives on through anyone who ever had the opportunity to learn from her.

As we say goodbye to Sylvia Byrd Phillips, we celebrate the life of a woman who was a beacon of southern elegance, grace and hospitality. Her legacy is one of unwavering devotion to her husband, a testament to the beautiful life she lived, and the countless lives she touched. Sylvia’s memory will be treasured forever, as we hold her close in our hearts and remember the beauty and color she brought into this world. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home or Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sylvia’s honor.