Tuesday

Virginia met Jesus, Face to Face, on February 27, 2011 after a lengthy illness. Born August 24, 1922 to Napoleon B. “Nap”, Sr. and Jessie Chaney Calmes. She was born in Dennis Mills, LA where she lived almost her entire life and where she passed away surrounded by her family. Preceded in death by parents, brothers, Edmond C. Calmes, Sr. and N.B. Calmes, Jr., sister, Miriam Chutz, and son, Gregory L. Phillips. Survived by husband of 63 years, Lawrence C. Phillips of Dennis Mills, LA, two sons, Chaney Phillips, of Ponchatoula, Matthew Phillips and wife, Christine of Watson, two brothers, Chaney Calmes and wife, Lurline of Baton Rouge, Stanley Calmes of Diamondhead, MS, six grandsons, Gregory Phillips and wife, Jennifer of Metairie, Ryan Phillips and wife, Stephanie of Baton Rouge, Jason Phillips and wife, Kristi of Baton Rouge, Dallas Phillips and wife, Tammy of Denham Springs, Jackson and Ethan Phillips of Watson, one granddaughter, Brandy Roberts and husband, John of Denham Springs, seven great-grandchildren, Chaney, Grayson and Lindsey Phillips of Metairie, Jacob and Jordan Phillips of Baton Rouge, Brenna Phillips of Baton Rouge, Brandon Phillips of Denham Springs, numerous nieces and nephews, and hundreds of friends and extended family. A special thanks to beloved neighbor, friend, and devoted caregiver, Elaine Cash. Virginia grew up in a fun and loving family in Dennis Mills. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, a member of the Sunshine Class, and served as church pianist and organist until age 84. After 20 years, she retired from the St. Helena Parish School System in 1987. She loved spending her time keeping her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cooking for her family. Virginia loved the Lord and her family with complete devotion. She was always there for us, making any sacrifice necessary without complaint. Everything she did was done with love and kindness. She looked for the positive in everyone and could always find it. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her smile and laughter made the darkest days bright. We were blessed to have known her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pine Grove, LA. Visitation at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pine Grove, on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m with Rev. Phillip McDaniel officiating. Burial in Pine Ridge Cemetery on Hwy 440 west of Tangipahoa, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

A person who lives a long time like Mrs. Chaney surely has created many memories for other. Mrs. Bertie Hano left many memories for her family, her church family, and her friends.  I would like to share a special one from our family.  “Miss” Bertie Hano, “Miss” Sadie Hilbun, and “Miss” Pauline Bryant, and a massive balloon bouquet rode to New Orleans with Rev. Ronnie and Angie Nielson to help welcome our daughter home from Brazil where she had served two years as a MK teacher.  I wish you could have seen these ladies as they experienced their first airport visit and their first escalator ride!  They took these risks to honor Jennie.  That made a major impact on our lives to know they would do that for her.  What special ladies!  What blessings on our lives!  We miss all of them so much!

Today, thank God for the many blessings He has given you.

Anna Lee