Sherry Alana Phillips, 81, passed away on April 30, 2026. Family will host a visitation at 10 am on Wednesday, May 6 at First Baptist Church in Early, Tx. Services will be held directly after the visitation with interment to follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early, under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home.
Sherry was born on September 7, 1944 in Lubbock, Texas, to Thomas and Ellena Hulse. She attended school and graduated in Wellman, Tx. She then went on to obtain a business degree from Draughon’s Business College. On November 9, 1963, Sherry married Paul Phillips and they began a life together that blessed them with 2 children. She and Paul settled in Brownfield, Tx. after they married and moved around with the military. They moved to Early in 1976 after spending summers at Lake Brownwood. After moving to Early, she was the Finance Manager for Holley Chevrolet, then the Branch Manager and Loan Officer for Southern Savings & Loan. She then became a legal assistant for Tom Duren at Gilliam, Cockrum, and Duren, where she eventually retired.
Sherry was active with the Red Hats Society, loved the lake (even though she couldn’t swim), and enjoyed playing women’s basketball and volleyball. She coached many basketball teams- even before her kids were of age to play! She taught Sunday school and was involved at Early First Baptist Church until dementia took that away from her. Sherry “worked” at the law office with Tom Duren. She loved Tom and her job so much that it wasn’t work at all. She had the sweetest, most loving personality and never started or ended a conversation without a hug and “I love you”. She would even always meet us at the door of the nursing home with a big wave until we got inside, then a hug and “I love you”. Sherry was well known at the nursing home for her sweet demeanor, hugs, and crazy sunglasses! She loved watching everything her grandchildren and great- grandchildren were involved in- they were the apple of her eye!
Sherry is survived by her daughter, Kristi Walker and husband Wade Walker of Early; sister, Mary Lois Tuggle (Danny) of Granbury; sister, LaTrelle Locks (Mike) of Zephyr; grandson, Brandon Walker (Sarah) of Early; granddaughter, Kandyce Brownlee (Chris) of Early; granddaughter, SherryAnn Phillips of Early; grandson, Colin Walker (Alexus) of Brownwood; great grandchildren, Maddyson Walker of Early; Ryko and Reece Walker of Early; Zander Miller of Hamlin; Brylie Slade of Brownwood; Harper Walker of Brownwood; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sherry was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Phillips; son, Kevin Phillips; parents, Thomas and Ellena Hulse; brother, Terry Hulse; and nephew, Shane Tuggle.
The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Youth Group of Grace Baptist or Early First Baptist in memory of Sherry Phillips.
