Twila Mae Grogg Phillips

Twila Mae Grogg-Phillips, age 95, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away September 18, 2025, following an extended illness. She was at peace with her declining health and firmly trusted in God to watch over her throughout her life. She was deeply devoted to her husband of 67 years, Leonard Edmond Phillips, Jr., who preceded her in death in December of 2021.

Twila was born on June 26, 1930, in Hot Springs, VA, the daughter of Janet Josephine Griffin-Grogg and Jesse Earl Grogg. In 1948 she graduated from Wilson Memorial High School in Augusta County, VA and then became a certified radiology technician. She was working in the Radiology Department at Kings Daughter’s Hospital in Staunton, VA when she met her future husband, Leonard, whom she married in June of 1954. The couple lived in Staunton until 1958, when Leonard accepted a position with the State of Florida Department of Transportation in Tallahassee, Florida. Once in Tallahassee, Twila chose to devote her time to raising her infant son rather than working outside of the home. She continued her work as a homemaker for the rest of her life while also regularly teaching in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

Twila and Leonard lived in Tallahassee for much of their adult lives; however, they also owned a second home in Blue Grass, Highland County, VA. They resided there for a while and then, their love for the people of Highland County led them to spend their summers back in Blue Grass each year. Twila was a member of the Blue Grass Ruritan Club from 1996 until 2015 when her health began to decline.

At the time of her death, Twila was an associate member of Lafayette Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, FL, and a member of Highland Baptist Church in Monterey. They also attended Blue Grass United Methodist Church in Blue Grass, VA when they were in town.

Twila is survived by one son, Jerrel “Jerry” Edmond Phillips and her daughter-in-law, Angela Kay Phillips of Blue Grass, VA; two grandchildren, Melissa A. Phillips of Midlothian, VA, and Misty D. Pagach of Brookline, Vermont; one great-granddaughter, Jordan A. Phillips of Tallahassee, Florida; as well as numerous cousins, including Darlene Thomas, Donna Ham, Sue Saris, and Cindy Phillips. She was also especially close to two neighbors, Cathy Boyett and Linda Young, who were like daughters to her.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, September 26, 2025 in Blue Grass Cemetery with Reverend Andre Crummett officiating.

Active pallbearers will be Mike Marshall, Larry Bandy, Larry Propst, Roger Moyers, Roy Kimble Jr., and Chad Kimble.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Blue Grass Ruritan Club, P.O. Box 51, Blue Grass, VA 24413 or to the Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.