Obituary: Don Griffin Phillips

Don Griffin Phillips, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on August 28th, 2025 at his home in Trenton, NC.

A memorial service celebrating Don’s life will be held on September 2nd, 2025 at 6pm, at Edwards Funeral Home located on 702 Queen Street in Kinston, NC. Visitation with the family will begin at 5pm prior to the memorial service. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Born on February 1st, 1946, in Kinston, NC, Don lived his entire life on the Phillips Family farm in Trenton, NC. In fifth grade he met his lifelong sweetheart, Faye Griffin Phillips. Together they shared almost 59 years of love and memories. They raised 2 children: Donna Phillips Losew (husband Nick) and Amy Phillips Steele (husband Jeff). Don also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Sommer Johnson (husband Chris), Cassidy Cowley (husband Luke), John Williams, Jenna Steele, and Brody Steele. He also leaves behind one great-grandson, Leo Cowley. Don is survived by his sister Audrey Phillips Bray of Cary, NC.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, William Edward (Mike) Phillips, Sr. and Mabel Elizabeth (Betsy) Griffin Phillips, his sisters, Eleanor Smith - Goldsboro, NC and Annie Rouse - Kinston, NC, and his brothers, William Edward Phillips, Jr. - Greensboro, NC and Horace Phillips - Trenton, NC.

Don attended Jones Central High School. After graduating from Atlantic Christian College in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Don pursued a career in teaching, dedicating 37 years of his life to his students and fellow teachers, at Jones Senior High School and North Lenoir High School. He was remembered for his depth of knowledge on many subjects and his witty sense of humor.

Outside of teaching, Don was happiest when spending time with his family, his dogs, and his cows. He loved farming, fishing, hunting and watching Carolina Tarheel sports.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: Tanglewood Church, 2013 Rouse Road, Kinston, NC 28504, or to: Lenoir County SPCA, 3200 US-258, Kinston, NC 28504 in Don Griffin Phillips' memory.

Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be made at www.edwardsfhc.com.