Ora Mae "Phillis" Kernodle

May 9, 1927 - November 26, 2015

Ora Mae “Phillis” Phillips Kernodle of Wynne, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2015 at the age of 88. Phillis is survived by her husband, William C. “Billy” Kernodle II; son, William C. “Bill” Kernodle III and wife Lee of Olive Branch, Mississippi; daughters, Kay Kernodle Wittenberg of Metairie, Louisiana; Connie Kernodle Machado and husband Ramon of Ridgeland, Mississippi; sisters, Mamie Tatum of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Betty P. Livingston of Henderson, Tennessee; Martha Clendenin and husband Bob of Union City, Tennessee; grandchildren, James Wittenberg, IV and wife Allison of League City, Texas; Daniel W. A. Machado of Arlington, Virginia; David Phillip Machado and wife Katie of Huntsville, Alabama; Veronica Choukalas and husband Peter of Memphis, Tennessee; Genevieve Kernodle of Olive Branch, Mississippi; great grandchildren, Kylie & Kellen Wittenberg; Aaron Machado, Amelia Machado and Peter Choukalas III. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Troy, G. B., Joe Lee, and David Phillips; and twin sisters, Georgia Rush and Gertrude Ross. Phillis was born on May 9, 1927 in Chester County, Tennessee to George B. Phillips and Lana G. Thomas Phillips. She married Billy Kernodle, a funeral director in 1948. She began working for Kernodle Funeral Home as the secretary and funeral director. She was secretary at Crowley’s Ridge Country Club for a number of years. She is remembered as a sassy, loving, and “speak the truth” kind of woman. She knew everything there was to know about sewing, cooking, and gardening. She loved bowling, visiting the penny slots, playing bridge, drinking coffee with friends, and all things to do with hummingbirds. Phillis was a member of Col. John Martin Chapter, Daughters of the Colonist (DAC); United Methodist Women, and The Coffee Group. She was an active and dedicated member of The First United Methodist Church of Wynne. Visitation is scheduled for Monday, November 30, 2015 from 6 to 8 PM at Kernodle Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 2 PM at Kernodle Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Cogbill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Wynne, Choir Fund at 800 N. Falls Blvd, Wynne, Arkansas 72396.