Monica Kesler Phillips

Monica was born Sept 22, 1970 in Bethesda, Maryland, the second of three children of Bill Kesler and Nancy Meyer Kesler. She spent her early years in the Washington D.C. area before her father’s job brought her family to Mint Hill when she was nine.

Monica graduated from Independence High School and went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in political science. After college, she began a long and successful career as a paralegal. She most recently worked for McAngus, Goudelock & Courie in Charlotte.

She first met Kevin Phillips through a youth bowling league when she was in high school. They began dating while she was in college and married in 1993, the year after her graduation. Their son David was born in 2000, followed by daughter Bethany in 2005.

Monica adored her children. Their wellbeing was her biggest concern when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She wanted to be here to do so much more for and with them. But she was also filled with respect and pride for the maturity they showed during her brief illness. She was deeply touched by the ways they stepped up to take care of her when she was sick.

Monica’s family deeply appreciates the strong support and caring that her friends and colleagues showed in her final days, and especially the assistance of long-time friend Mary Ellen Edwards.

Monica is survived by her husband, Kevin Phillips, son David Phillips, and daughter Bethany Phillips (Matthews); her mother Nancy Kesler (Mint Hill); sister Leslie Kesler (Mint Hill); and brother John Kesler, his wife Laura and son Henry (Asheville). She was predeceased by her father, Bill Kesler.

The family asks that you remember Monica by performing acts of kindness for others.

A memorial service to remember Monica will be held on Friday, January 26th, 2024 at 3:00pm at Newell Presbyterian Church 1500 Rocky River Road West Charlotte, NC 28213. Family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:00pm.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com