Lena (West) Phillips

Lena “Earlee” West Phillips, age 86, gained her heavenly reward on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Harbor Hospice in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

She was born in Campti, Louisiana on July 13, 1939, to the late Earl Thomas and Bessie Moore West.

Lena faithfully served for many years as a Deaconess at Greater St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. R. B. House and the current pastor, Rev. Dr. Samuel C. Tolbert, Jr. She once served on the Pastor’s Aide Committee, was a devoted member of the Gospel Choir, and participated in the Adult Women Sunday School Class, which continued meeting by phone on Saturdays after COVID. She was deeply supportive of her church and pastor until her health failed and strongly believed in bringing her tithes and offerings to the house of the Lord.

Lena was well known for her love of cooking. Her specialties included gumbo, fried chicken, potato salad, bread pudding and sweet potato pies—along with many other delicious dishes that blessed family and friends through the years.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Leroy Phillips, Sr. and Earl Ray Phillips, Sr.; her brothers, Simon West and Grant West; her sister, Phoebe West; and her parents, Earl Thomas and Bessie Moore West.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: her devoted husband, Jerry Phillips, Jr.; daughters, Louetha (Edward) Lastrapes, Diane Betters, Erica Phillips, all of Lake Charles, LA, and Keisha (James) Stewart of Hurst, TX; sons, Clifford (Alyce) Phillips, Sr., Arthur Phillips, Eric Phillips, all of Lake Charles, LA, Jerry (Valetta) Phillips, III of Missouri City, TX, and Eddie (Angel) Phillips of Apple Valley, CA; two sisters, Joyce Mae West of Sulphur, LA and Frankie Kelley of Elk Grove, CA; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will cherish her memory. 

Repast Monday After Committal,  Ample Plaza 2150 Opelousas Street Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601

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