Shelby Westbrook Phillips

Shelby was born in Johnston County, NC on March 21, 1938 to Emma and Wilbert Westbrook. She was a spunky country girl that loved her family, her friends (of which were many), her furry friends, her church and pretty much all that life offered. Oh yeah- and BEACH WEEK!!!!!

She is preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Jack Phillips and they made their home and raised their family in Raleigh, NC. Shelby was an incredible woman and gave so much to everyone she met- she was active in her younger years carting her children- Jane and Jack- around to anywhere they needed to go- usually in her orange vw beetle all while working fulltime into her 70’s. She loved her church family and was an active volunteer well into her 80’s- she delivered her last meals-on-wheels at 82!! Independent with a stubborn streak a mile long, she was also a “modern” woman that had a sparkly smile, beautiful brown eyes and didn’t hesitate to speak her mind. She took the twists and turns of life in stride, never judged anyone but had strong values, deeply rooted in her faith. Shelby was always up for a party- and loved to go to Talbots to dress for the occasion and always looked stunning. The role Shelby loved more than any other was that of Mom and Mammie/Grammie- she was a fierce and steady guide to her children and grandkids and instilled many of her qualities onto them all. She loved large and was loved in return even larger. While her presence in everyday life will be missed, her spirit and grace will live on in everyone that was lucky enough to have known her.

She leaves a legacy of “smart, kind and important” with her daughter, Jane (Melisse) Phillips-Shaban and and their children, Vivienne and Henry; son, Jack (Traci) Phillips and their daughter Seeley; her sister Jane Parker and brother Steve (Kathi) Westbrook as well as tons of cousins, nieces and nephews. A special shout out to her BFF Pat Burris and her daughter Paige, her god daughter LeAnn Creech, Joe Fiore and her angel friend, Grace.

Shelby loved animals and anyone in need. A donation to a favorite charity in her name is preferred.

A visitation for Shelby will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2022 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605. A service to celebrate her life will be on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, 718 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603.