Annie Laurie Phillips

Annie Laurie Phillips, 93, formerly of Gretna Springs, Manheim, Porter Township, Clarion County, and Butner, North Carolina, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at the Pleasant View Retirement Community, Manheim. Born in Marion, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Norman F. and Annie L. Fordham Steppe. She moved to PA from NC as the young wife of the late B.E. Phillips, Jr. who died in 1970. In her early years, she helped her husband on the family farm in Porter Township. She was also employed as a secretary at Clarion State University and was a music teacher at Porter Township School. She was an active member of the Leatherwood Presbyterian Church in Porter Township, where she was organist and involved with the music program of the church.

Returning to NC following the death of her husband, in 1975 she received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. She then served as a reading specialist in NC public schools and was active as a church organist in Butner for a number of years.

She was an avid reader throughout her life, and used her love of reading and her teaching expertise as a volunteer for the Lebanon Literacy Council, the Manheim Central elementary schools, and the Manheim Community Library. In her later years, she was a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church of Lebanon. Her interests included hiking, flower gardening, and, especially, playing the piano for her own enjoyment and for the enjoyment of others.


Surviving are two sons: Marc T. husband of Carol Y. Phillips of Manheim, Kem F. husband of Svetlana Ledenieva Phillips of Ringoes, N.J., two grandchildren: John Phillips, Jacqueline Hogan and three great grandchildren: Maura and Connor Hogan and Andrew John Phillips. Preceding her in death are three brothers: Norman, Montgomery, and Clarence Steppe.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 18, 2010, at 2:00 pm at Buch Funeral Home 21 Market Square, Manheim. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Way of Lancaster County 630 Janet Ave. Lancaster, PA 17601 or a charity of the donors choice.