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Avah Leah Phillips, 101, of Mabie, West Virginia, who lived a life of service, passed away April 1, 2024, after a short bout of declining health, with her family by her side at St. Joseph Hospital, Buckhannon.
Avah was born on Feb. 19, 1923, to Orvil J. and Otis U. Phillips.
From a young age, Avah became an avid outdoors woman, who dearly loved being in nature, especially with her beloved pets. After completing the 8th Grade, Avah worked at Nella's Nursing Home, prior to her making the noble decision to care for her extended family, Emily Jane Zirkle and Daniel Boone Zirkle, for a total of 20 consecutive years.
This choice would seem like a sacrifice to many, however, for Avah, it was an act of love. Just as being one with nature, having a caring heart was the true essence of who Avah was. Additionally, Avah raised Emily and Daniel's son, Donnie, from the age of 18 months as her own. Her unwavering love for Donnie was apparent to all. In Avah's younger years, she was a Sunday school teacher for the Harrison Community Church, which was dear to her heart. In later years, Avah enjoyed watching preachers and gospel music on television, and was committed to reading her Bible every night before bed. She gave thanks and all glory to God and His Son, Jesus, for her longevity and health during her 101 years.
Avah enjoyed her daily routine of watching the Fox News Channel, Hunting on the Outdoor Channel, NASCAR racing, Monster truck rallies, and her favorite shows on the Magnolia Network. Working in her flower and vegetable gardens always brought Avah great joy.
Avah's caring, unselfish, and benevolent nature tightly knitted her relationships with the Zirkle family, especially her two special sisters, Jean Simmons and Artie Shiflett; special niece, Anita Wiseman and family; and her dear special nephew, Andy Zirkle and family; as well as her numerous nieces and nephews. Avah was the gentle sister, mother, aunt and caregiver that she didn't have to be.
If all people mirror the way Avah Phillips lived life to the fullest and in service to one another, the world would surely be a better place. One of Avah's proudest moments in her life was when Donnie married the love of his life, Becky Channell. She was proud to be Becky's mother-in-law.
Friends may call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 5, from the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Sean Barnett officiating.
Interment will follow in the Rowan Memorial Cemetery near Mabie.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Harrison Community Church, 367 Ryan Run Road, Mabie, WV 26278 in memory of Miss Phillips.
The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Avah Leah Phillips.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.