Brenda Phillips

Brenda Carol Lovett Phillips passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in Milford, Ohio, just one month shy of her 83rd birthday. She was born on February 20, 1943, in Danville, Kentucky, to the late Estus and Marie Lovett. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Lovett, and by her former husband and longtime friend, Ross Phillips.

Brenda attended church and school in Junction City, Kentucky, and graduated from Junction City High School in 1961, where she was a cheerleader and active in Future Homemakers of America under the leadership of the late Marianne Kirby. She later attended Eastern Kentucky University.

On February 5, 1963, Brenda married Ross Phillips, and together they welcomed two children, Nick and Jennifer. In the mid-1960s, she managed Slo's Drive-In and worked briefly for Corning. In 1972, the family relocated to Florence, Kentucky, followed by a move to Villa Hills, Kentucky in 1974.

Wherever life took her, her home reflected who she was: welcoming, intentional, and full of care. Meals were home-cooked and shared around the table, and her thoughtfulness was evident in every detail. Many remember receiving a handmade gift from Brenda or being served a meal so good they asked for the recipe.

A quintessential mother and homemaker, Brenda was deeply involved in her children's lives. Her devotion to her family was unwavering. She was an active PTA mom in the 1970s and organized school fundraisers, including craft shows where her own creations were always standouts. She never missed a dance recital, guitar lesson, scout meeting, soccer game, track meet, or cheerleading competition, and was consistently present and proudly supportive.

In the early 1980s, Brenda returned to Junction City and took over the Lovett family business, Lovett's Cherry Shop, to support herself and her children. She grew it into a beloved town icon and later expanded it to additional locations in Danville and Lexington, where it was known as The Cherry Shop. Her creativity was boundless. She sewed exquisitely, painted, sculpted, and decorated with an innate sense of style. Every space she touched felt warm and complete.

Brenda enjoyed preserving family memories through her genealogy research. She was a coin collector with a deep love of history and found great joy in gardening, especially growing tomatoes.

She was known for her strong will and strong convictions, as well as for her grace, beauty, kindness, and humor. Brenda will be remembered for her strength, creativity, generosity, and the way she made people feel welcome.

She is survived by her children, Nick Phillips (TamTam) of Lexington, Kentucky, and Jennifer Chamberlin (Marty) of Milford, Ohio; her cherished grandchildren, Taylor Pappa (Nick) of Columbus, Ohio, Nicholas Chamberlin of Milford, Ohio, and Brooke Chamberlin of Milford, Ohio; her sisters, Wanda Bow, Margaret Frisby, and Debbie Abbott (Jim); and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held in Danville, Kentucky at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cincinnati TOP Soccer adapted soccer program. https://cincytopsoccer.ottosport.ai/donations