Lavonne Nalley Phillips

LaVonne Nalley Phillips died peacefully on Thursday morning, March 14, 2024. She was born in Easley, South Carolina on August 21,1937. Her parents were G.B. Nalley, Sr. and LaVonne E. Nalley of Easley. She was predeceased by her husband, T. Ashton Phillips, Sr. and her son, Ted A. Phillips, Jr. (Janet).

LaVonne graduated from Easley High School and from Agnes Scott College in 1958. She and her husband of 48 years, Ashton, married in July of 1958. Her surviving children include G. Mark Phillips (Karen), Alton C. Phillips, Sr. (Kathryn), and Sarah P. Marshall (Alex). Her surviving sibling is G. B. (Bud) Nalley, Jr. (Anita).

LaVonne was a long-time Board Member of the Historic Charleston Foundation, an original Board member of The Bank of Charleston and the Chair of the Roper Hospital Foundation. She taught mathematics at both First Baptist Church School and The Lynchburg School.

LaVonne and Ashton traveled extensively, entertained frequently and worshipped regularly at St. Philip’s Church. She regularly opened her home on Church Street to both the Historic Charleston Foundation and the Preservation Society of Charleston.

LaVonne enjoyed and influenced her twelve grandchildren, Kathryn L. Perez-Phillips (Ruben), Ashley P. Blomdahl (Jens), Alice M. Phillips (Bryce), Alton C. Phillips, Jr. (Jill), Louisa E. Phillips, M.D., A. Alexander Marshall (Kristi), M.A. LaVonne Marshall, Sarah Parker Phillips, George M. Phillips, Jr. (Mary Katherine), T. Ashton Phillips III (Lauren), M. Phillips Marshall (Leeza), and William B. Phillips. She also welcomed her nine great-grandchildren.

LaVonne and Ashton were cared for over many years by Reverend Cleveland Brown and by Delores Meyers.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at her residence at 5:00 pm. The funeral service will be 11:00 AM Monday, March 18, 2024, at St. Philip’s Church. Burial will be in the Churchyard. A reception will follow in St. Philip’s Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the “Shine the Light Campaign,” in care of St. Philip’s Church, 142 Church Street, Charleston, SC, 29401.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.